Jazz-funk with flute

 Mark, try Sam Most - "Jungle Fantasy" is a killer. [Just google it].

There's a really good compilation called "Heavy Flute" (Label M Records) which is pretty easy to find on CD.

Bobbi Humphrey recorded some decent LPs for Blue Note. She can be a bit too laid back/smooth for my taste sometimes but she's worth checking out.

I love Herbie Mann too, and think he maybe the top jazz flute guy.

Yusef Lateef is seriously good too, and he also plays sax exceedingly well : )

Amazon uk £8.99 + free delivery option : )

Granted it's flute-infused folk and rock, but any chance 1973 comes up in your mind due to Ian Anderson and the popularity of Jethro Tull at the time? 

Thanks for the recommends - what a speedy service this forum gives. Some seem to be easier to get hold of than others, but I will get my people onto it.

Sorry, Joe, but Jethro Tull is largely the sort of folky flute-playing that sends me running for the hills. I know it's some people's idea of very heaven, but folk has never really done it for me, even when mixed with rock. I dislike more or less all classical flute as well, so it's nothing personal.

1973 was before I was born (just) so it's definitely not memories from the first time around. I think it might be soundtracks to films of the time like Shaft/Dirty Harry which used the general jazz-funk-flute sound which must have planted the association in my mind, as well as parodies which use the same idea (like Anchorman does).

Mark

It sounds so dated now but this is my favourite Hubert Laws album. The opening track 'Love LOOP' has got this *Shaft/Dirty Harry* grooves in spade.

Here's another jazz flutist. Dave Valentin albeit he's bordering smooth jazz.

While he is not exactly jazz-funk, check out Sam Rivers, one of the greatest jazz flutists (also tenor and soprano, and piano) of all time, whose heyday was the 70s.  He did continue to record until his death in 2011.

Agree with you here kuma. And you're right, it sounds like a score for Charlie's Angels now.

Ebor,

I understand this is not really what you're looking for, but for a more contemporary sound check out Ludivine Issambourg and her french band Antiloops :

http://antiloops.fr/sounds/

https://www.youtube.com/user/ANTILOOPSmusic

HTH

Maurice

PS: And if you dig a bit deeper, you'll find Ludivine Issambourg everywhere, even on the Naim Label !

As well as being more than proficient on several reed instruments Roland Kirk practically re-invented jazz flute managing to give it a saxophone-like aggression no one had achieved or even attempted before. 

Surprised no one has mentioned Joe Farrell especially on his recordings with Chick Corea's Return To Forever.

Ebor,

Having recently revisited The James Taylor Quartet, I suggest you peruse their albums to see if you find something to your taste. Look into Supernatural Feeling, In the Hand of the Inevitable and Creation. Not all tracks have flute, but some do and are very nice.

HTH

Maurice

Some nice flute on this nice track. Not Jazzfunk but i guess it's Jazz.

Clark Terry's Color Changes is a great big band album that features a lot of flute playing (doubled I believe.) Its still big band, but definitely more in a funky direction.

Since the Jazz thread has been sent to bed without any supper, perhaps you'll all excuse me resurrecting my own thread (or is that a bit like laughing at one's own jokes? Anyway).

Since all of the responses I had six months ago, here's what I've been enjoying exploring on the jazz flute side of town:

Herbie Mann: Memphis Underground and Push Push

Bobbi Humphrey: Dig This! (even the title is terribly 70s)

Bobbi Humphrey has been a real discovery - exactly what I was looking for. Thanks to Jon at Broad STreet Jazz in Bath for pointing me in her direction.

Push Push is an easy contender for Worst Album Cover Ever (maybe that should be a new thread...):

Enough to put you off your dinner, eh?

Mark