Saturday 11 April 2015

J is for Jamiroquai



Acid Jazz was one of those musical genres that was considered mainstream in the late 80s and early 90s. Itself a fusion of jazz, funk, soul and disco, the genre was made popular by groups like the Brand New Heavies, A Tribe called Quest, and one of my personal favorites, Jamiroquai.

Jamiroquai was fronted by British singer Jay Kay, who is often considered synonymous with the entire band and their music. Their first album, Emergency on Planet Earth, was released in 1993. This was followed by The Return of the Space Cowboy in 1994. While both albums were well received in the UK, the band wouldn't gain international recognition until the release of their third album, Travelling Without Moving, in 1996.

The album is noted for producing the hit single, Virtual Insanity, which was itself noted for its music video directed by British director, Jonathan Glazer. The song would eventually earn the band their first and only Grammy Award, for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, as well as a Video of the Year award at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards.


25 comments:

  1. It's not the kind of music I listen to, but I've seen that video several times and it's really creative.

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    1. The video was indeed ubiquitous back in the day, and I still marvel at its creativity. :)

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  2. I think the only song I know by them is Cosmic Girl, but I'm a fan.

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    1. I absolutely adore Cosmic Girl, and I'd spent a considerable amount of time deciding which of the two songs to highlight. :D

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    1. That's another word for describing their music. Classic. :)

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  4. I haven't thought about Jamiroquai in a long time. Thanks for the blast from the past.
    Also, thanks for visiting during the A-Z Challenge.

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    1. You're welcome. It was my pleasure really. :)

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  5. I remember this music! It is fun to have a reminder of some of the music we don't hear as much anymore. Thanks for sharing this! And thanks for stopping by my J post earlier as well!

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    1. Thanks, Lisa. We'll always have a soft spot for some of the older stuff. :)

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  6. Love Jazz, but haven't heard of these guys and their music before, didn't even know there was a genre like acid jazz. And I thought I knew oldies music. Lol

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    1. LOL. Well, their music has more in common with funk and disco than straight-up jazz. In other words, it tends to be more up-tempo and danceable than traditional jazz.

      Fun fact: One of their band members is actually Nigerian. His name is Sola Akingbola, and he has served as their percussionist since 1994. :)

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  7. It's too bad their not still around. Virtual Insanity sounds a lot like the recent retro funk hits of today.

    You can find me here:
    ClarabelleRant

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    1. They are still out there making music, but they haven't had a hit in years. It's funny, but Virtual Insanity kinda calls to mind Maroon 5's Sunday Morning. :)

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  8. I dug Jamiroquai. The music was so cool. My wife never cared for it so after we got married I never really listened to them again. Mores the pity.

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    1. It funny how girlfriends/wives can do that to a man, influence us on even the lowest of levels. :D

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  9. Two words: CANNED HEAT!
    Jamiroquai always remind me of the 90's. Love it!

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    1. Their music is indeed synonymous with most of the 90s. Glad to see you're a fellow fan.

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