The Supernova that Was Jazz-Rock Fusion

I come from the world, from a perspective, of Progressive Rock Music. In 2007, I was as surprised as many people are upon discovering that many Prog Lovers have space in their beloved world for a sub-genre that is precariously labeled either "Fusion" or "Jazz-Rock Fusion." What is even more confounding is the fact that most Jazz-Rock Fusion lovers have a list of hundreds of bands and albums that they openly welcome into their den of iniquity whereas most loyal Progheads have room for about three or four fusion bands in their world: a list that usually consists of Return To Forever, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Al Di Meola, sometimes Weather Report. Rarely--and I mean scarcely ever--a proghead will deign to mention Larry Coryell, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham or Pat Metheny. Any artist who associated with or even guested with one of the above bands will sometimes be reluctantly allowed. Guilt by association, of course.       If we bounce back to the Fusionists we often co...