One of the most notable jazz-funk/fusion albums of 1975 is by the legendary drummer Lenny White.

Lenny White makes his initial mark on the music scene by performing alongside Miles Davis during the groundbreaking era of jazz-rock fusion by playing to the iconic 'Bitches Brew' album back in August '69. 

He continues to perform with stars like Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson; he shifts to Latin jazz-rock, playing with Azteca on a few outstanding albums before eventually joining the Return to Forever.

In 1975, he is a permanent member of Return to Forever (in fact throughout the 1970s and in all future reunions.)

Return to Forever, led by the visionary keyboardist Chick Corea, is a band that redefines funk in the 1970s. The group is credited with creating a truly distinctive sound by fusing funk, rock, and jazz elements. Lenny White, alongside Al Di Meola on guitar, Stanley Clarke on bass, and Chick Corea, form the core of the group.

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In the beginning of 1975, Return to Forever releases "No Mystery," not their best album according to many critics, but a significant album with a solid funk foundation and innovative jazz improvisation - also a Grammy Award-winning record, showing their genre-bending approach to funk. 🥁

Lenny White has an energetic and powerful drumming style on the album, with variation and nuance, and he is said to play a key role in connecting the band's earlier funk sound with their newer, more complex jazz fusion style. His drumming builds a bridge between the two genres by incorporating aspects of both.

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While Return to Forever is a solidified band with a distinct sound, it appears like the members are creating their own social circles and performing independently as well. 

Same year, in 75, Stanley Clarke releases a solo album, "Journey to Love," a collaborative project featuring impressive guest appearances, including Chick Corea on piano and John McLaughlin on guitar. We can hear Lenny White's signature drumming in one critical song, “Hello Jeff.” 🥁

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Finally, in the summer of 75, Lenny White steps out from behind the drum kit and releases his solo album, "Venusian Summer." Not just any solo debut; a dynamic soundscape that creates a distinctive niche in the ever-evolving world of funk. 🥁

With tunes like "Mating Drive" and "Prince of the Sea" fusing some jazz fusion elements—especially with the usage of synthesizers and other electronic instruments—"Venusian Summer" attempts to push boundaries, but the album is firmly rooted in funk, led by White's strong drumming. The album features a superb guest list that includes Larry Coryell and Al Di Meola.

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Some find Venusian Summer to sound outdated, and the album definitely has a vintage sound 🎙️ as it heavily incorporates synthesizers and other electronic instruments that were common in the 70s. However, I would say it adds to the album's charm.

In terms of personal preference, "Chicken-Fried Steak" would be my favourite. This track features a driving drumbeat by Lenny White himself, along with tight horn sections and funky bass lines. It's a high-energy song with plenty of classic funk elements. 🎶 

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Gülben - 05/2024

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📖 Return To Forever @ JazzMusicArchives

📖 Lenny White @ AllAboutJazz

📖 Lenny White @ Soul&Jazz&Funk​​

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