Ben's top voted 30 Fusion Cover Tracks

This is the second track on the Rebirth of the Kool album. As its name suggests, it is a tribute to legendary producer and bassist, Marcus Miller.

Jimi Meets Miles - Spanish Key

Spanish Keyz is the opening track on the Rebirth of the Kool album. It was inspired by Spanish Key, off Bitches Brew, but the only thing it has in common with the original is the classic trumpet ‘head’ that anchors the groove. The other 99% is brand new and highly improvised.

Funkameleon

The classic Herbie Hancock jazz standard from his Headhunters era. My version features a Dubstep bass (along with the classic synth bass riff)

Jimi Meets Miles - All Along The Watchtower

the classic Dylan track Hendrix made his own. Benny Sutton puts his own stamp on it. Do you recognise the bassline it starts with? It's almost Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and it is perfect to drive it. Some artistic licence is exercised here when it dives into some very modern Daft Punk, alternates classic Jimi and Miles, ending with the only vocal on the album.

Only You by Benny Sutton

An original composition and a collaboration with the talented Vocalatti on vocals. Another popular one on Soundcloud.

Jimi Meets Miles #1 Right Off

The greatest ever collaboration that never happened. I play Jimi style over a pastiche of Mile's track 'Right off' from his album 'jack johnson'

Jimi Meets Miles #2 If 6 were 9

This is what it might have sounded like had Jimi survived to play with Miles Davis during Miles' Tutu/Amandla period (1986). For the first time Miles could embrace synthesizers, sequencing, and drum machines. No doubt Jimi would have too. Add to that a producer who could play bass every bit as well as he could produce, Marcus Miller, and you have a recipe for some awesome music.

Jimi Meets Miles #7 Tutu

If only Jimi had played on the Miles Davis 1986 album Tutu along with Marcus Miller. How brilliant that would be!

No Hangups! by Benny Sutton

This is another one of my original tracks. I like the muted guitar line that hold it together. It also features my first ever bass guitar solo!

Weathered Report - Benny Sutton

My tribute to one of my fave jazz bands, Weather Report. Very Joe Zawinul!

Nightshadows by Benny Sutton

This track is my first (and probably last) surf music track. The twangy Hank Marvin guitar is actually played on synth!

Jimi Meets Miles #8 Hey Joe

The classic Jimi groove revisited with a Miles Davis style solo at the end. I play or sequence all instruments on this pastiche in the style of Hey Joe. For full Jimi Hendrix album discography click here

Jimi Meets Miles - Big Time

What if Jimi and Miles Davis had collaborated in the 80's? It would sound modern for sure. Marcus Miller would be producer and playing bass.

Birdland, Weather Report collaboration

A modern re-imagining of the classic Weather Report track by the cream of jazz players on Soundcloud.

Jimi Meets Miles #14 Foxy Lady

WHAT IF... Jimi and Miles had played together on a high energy instrumental in the style of Foxy Lady? I play or sequence all instruments on my pastiche in the style of the classic track off Jimi's 1967 debut album Are You Experienced.

Jimi Meets Miles #5 In a Silent Way

What if... Miles and Jimi collaborated on the classic Miles track "In a Silent Way"? Jimi could carry a tune, as proven by his rendition of "Star Spangled Banner". The melody to "In a Silent Way" is a lot tougher than that, mainly because it is really slow and stops/starts throughout. However, I have no doubt Jimi would excel on it. I speculate their version would not be a million miles away from this.

Jimi Meets Miles #4 Voodoo Chile

What if... Miles and Jimi run the voodoo down on a groove similar to Jimi's classic Voodoo Child in the 1980's? Miles did a track called "Miles runs the Voodoo down" on Bitches Brew (1970). It was limited by recording keyboard technology. I conceive a groove that morphs into an authentic late 1970's Jazz/Rock/Funk/Fusion piece using technology Miles and Jimi never had!

Jimi Meets Miles - Little Wing

The track every guitarist should learn how to play, though it does challenge you if a beginner!.

Jimi Meets Miles #6 Purple Haze

If Jimi and Miles had done a track in the style of Purple Haze in the 80's, they would have embraced synthesisers and funk. By then Jimi would probably be bored playing that iconic guitar riff motif at every gig, so I let the synth voice do a riff like it.

Jimi Meets Miles #9 Castles Made of Sand

Had Jimi and Miles did a track in the style of Castles Made of Sand, one of Hendrix's most beautiful, they would have captured its wistful qualities for sure. The track relies on Jimi's own distinctive brand of rhythm guitar playing that was both lyrical and melodic. Miles' horn would certainly have complimented that.

I play or sequence all instruments on this pastiche in the style of Castles Made of Sand.

Jimi Meets Miles #15 So What?

What if Jimi Hendrix played a groove like So What? In the 80's it would be more modern, tighter, and with a synth bass line! It might even be smooth jazz. Why not? Some Little Wing style rhythm guitar would fit perfectly. I play or sequence all instruments on this pastiche in the style of So What. For full Miles Davis discography click here

Little Sunflower - Freddie Hubbard

This is my first ever guitar duet collaboration so who better to do it with than the immensely talented Dan Van Den Berg @danarchxI

Jimi Meets Miles #10 Fire

What if Jimi and Miles Davis played with Fire? Sparks would fly! I play or sequence all instruments on this pastiche in the style of Fire.

Jimi Meets Miles #12 Third Stone from the Sun

What if Jimi and Miles had collaborated in the 80's in the style of Jimi's "3rd Stone from the Sun" track? Marcus Miller would be the producer and playing double bass (he did a version on his Jaco album).

Sweet Love by Benny Sutton

This is based on an EWF groove thats a showcase for Omnisphere synth sounds - don't worry, there's a scorcher of a guitar solo too! If you dig Earth Wind and Fire or Bruno Mars you'll dig this authentic funk track

Head Hunters by Benny Sutton

This is the first original track that I have posted for a year. I'm back in Jazz Funk territory again with a tribute to Herbie Hancock's Headhunters. For those of you tuned in to obscure musical references it has a bass line reminiscent of the track 'Chameleon' and some ethnic sounds like on the track 'Watermelon man' and no doubt more besides!

Christmas Song by Benny Sutton

Here's another of my original tracks. I'm hoping this one will get you in the festive mood?

Never Here - inspired by Ronnie Laws Always There

An original composition inspired by the Ronnie Laws' track 'Always There' - hence the title!. I play all instruments, arrange, produce the track. From the Back To Basics album.

Continuum - Jaco Pastorius cover

Not strictly a Weather Report track, Continuum was on the self named Album Jaco Pastorius before he joined the band.

In a Silent Way - Joe Zawinul cover

My version of the the iconic Miles track. I think it has most beautiful melody line ever, written by Joe Zawinul. Complete with Miles Davis' actual horn on the coda!

My most popular Fusion Cover Songs