Originally released in 2023 by Blue Canoe Records, Huge Fuse is a compilation album that showcases the pinnacle of contemporary fusion jazz. The collection was produced by Jimmy Haslip, a veteran bassist and award-winning producer known for his work with the Yellowjackets. Huge Fuse features an impressive lineup of renowned musicians, including Bob Mintzer, Scott Kinsey, Gergo Borlai, Robben Ford, Vinnie Colaiuta, Gary Novak, Mer Sal, the John Daversa Big Band, Marilyn Scott, Steve Tavaglione, Shawn Glyde,  Ray Lyon, and Haslip himself. 

The compilation was made available in both standard stereo and Dolby Atmos formats, both providing listeners with a rich and immersive auditory experience. The Dolby Atmos remixes and stereo remastering were handled by Karma Auger and Erich Gobel at Studio 1LA in Venice, California, ensuring high-fidelity sound that captures the nuances of each performance. Auger and Gobel are perhaps best known in the immersive music community for their Dolby Atmos remixes of four classic Frank Zappa albums released between 1972 and 1974.

Though the Dolby Atmos mix has been accessible via streaming services since 2023, we’re proud to announce that Huge Fuse is now available as a hi-res immersive download in the IAA shop! IAA offers immersive digital downloads in Dolby TrueHD, the same hi-res format used for Blu-Ray discs with Atmos audio. While streaming services offer convenience and access to a vast library of music, they also severely compress the audio to save bandwidth. With lossless TrueHD, the inner detail and sonic clarity is much better preserved for home listeners.

Huge Fuse Dolby Atmos Immersive Download IAA MKV

Huge Fuse kicks off with “Lazaro,” the final track from the Yellowjackets’ 2008 studio album Lifecycle. Marcus Baylor’s drum kit extends up into the height array, with Jimmy Haslip’s bass firmly isolated in the center speaker. Bob Mintzer’s saxophone hovers between the front and front height speakers, while Russell Ferrante’s piano seems to float out towards the back of the room.

Next up is “Where The Moon Goes” from Scott Kinsey’s 2019 release We Speak Luniwaz. The Dolby Atmos mix deconstructs the horn arrangement all around the listener to stunning effect, while Hadrien Feraud’s electric bass fills up the side surrounds and Kinsey’s vocoder-processed vocals take the front stage. Jing Chi’s “Mezzanine Blues” makes heavy use of the center speaker not just for Haslip’s bass, but also the kick drum and Robben Ford’s electric guitar. 

One of our favorite tracks on the album is a funky cover of Steely Dan’s “Time Out of Mind,” recorded by Scott Kinsey and Mer Sal for their 2019 studio collaboration ADJUSTMENTS. Mer Sal’s vocals briefly circle the room before settling down largely in the center speaker when the full band enters. Josh Smith’s guitar alternates between the back corners, floating halfway between ground-level and the height array, while the horn section emanates from the height speakers.

Huge Fuse Dolby Atmos Immersive Download IAA MKV

For ARC Trio’s “Owosso” (originally released on their 2018 self-titled album), Jimmy Haslip’s bass again takes center stage. Percussion floats behind and above the listener, with Scott Kinsey’s keyboards primarily panned to the side surround speakers. Nguyen Lê’s outstanding guitar work shines throughout “Si Kitu,” from ARC Trio and the John Daversa Big Band’s ARCeology album.

Marilyn Scott’s “Thrown Out Into Space, Butterfly” is another highlight, with the spacey synthesizer line during the intro rotating around the height array. Kinsey’s keyboards cascade across the side and rear surround channels, while Scott’s vocal soars from the center speaker up into the top fronts. Moving into “Quartet,” another selection from the ARCeology record, the dense horn arrangement again envelops the listener from all angles.

Originally featured on Shawn Glyde's 2021 album The Pyramid Factor, “Tony’s Temple” wraps the listener in a compelling tapestry of synthesizers and other atmospheric elements. Shawn Glyde’s drum thunder across the front stage–hitting both the front and front height speakers–with astonishing ‘punch’ and clarity.

Joan Miró,” another selection from ARC Trio’s debut album, features the same lineup of musicians as “Owosso.” Kinsey, Borlai, and Haslip again deliver a superbly-dynamic performance enhanced further by the immersive experience. Huge Fuse then concludes with “Trinity One,” from Ray Lyon’s 2023 release of the same name.

Huge Fuse serves as a testament to the vibrant and evolving landscape of contemporary fusion jazz. The 11-track collection not only showcases individual artistry, but also highlights the collaborative spirit that defines the genre. By offering both stereo and immersive mixes, Jimmy Haslip and Blue Canoe Records have succeeded in curating a compilation that appeals to both jazz enthusiasts and audiophiles. 

For those seeking an introduction to modern fusion jazz, or looking to experience familiar tracks in an immersive format, Huge Fuse is a commendable addition to any immersive music fan’s collection. 

Purchase Huge Fuse in the IAA shop!

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