Cortex, Volume 2

Released in 1977, Volume 2 finds the French ensemble Cortex leaning further into the 'funk' half of the jazz-funk equation. Led by keyboardist Alain Mion, the album serves as a bridge between the ethereal jazz-pop of their debut, Troupeau Bleu, and the more aggressive fusion sounds emerging in the late 70s. The record is notable for its heavy use of the Fender Rhodes, often treated with distortion to create a signature 'growl' that has made it a goldmine for hip-hop producers seeking gritty textures. Unlike many fusion records of the era that prioritized soloing, Cortex focused on tight, repetitive motifs and vocal layering, creating a sound that feels both structured and hallucinatory. While it didn't achieve massive commercial success upon release, its rediscovery by collectors and DJs in the 1990s and 2000s cemented its status as a cornerstone of European jazz-funk history.