Bad

Jazz organ titan Jimmy Smith was invited by Quincy JonesQuincy Jonesクインシー・ジョーンズ to play Hammond B3 on Michael JacksonMichael Jacksonマイケル・ジャクソン's 'Bad.' Smith recorded a 20-minute organ solo in the studio, which was then edited down to just over one minute and 'electronically altered through 10 other keyboards and synthesizers.' The greatest jazz organist in history, distilled into a pop-funk track.

Brazilian percussionist Paulinho Da CostaPaulinho Da Costaパウリーニョ・ダ・コスタ had worked with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Pass, and Milt Jackson before earning Quincy JonesQuincy Jonesクインシー・ジョーンズ's trust. He played percussion on all three Michael JacksonMichael Jacksonマイケル・ジャクソン–Jones albums: Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. The distinctive cuíca (Brazilian friction drum) that colors 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'' was Da Costa's own idea. DownBeat called him 'one of the most talented percussionists of our time.'

The brass sound threading through Michael JacksonMichael Jacksonマイケル・ジャクソン's three albums was created by members of Seawind, a jazz-fusion band from Hawaii. Trumpeter Jerry HeyJerry Heyジェリー・ヘイ was discovered by Quincy JonesQuincy Jonesクインシー・ジョーンズ at The Baked Potato, an LA jazz club, and became Jones's 'first call' horn arranger. Hey, Larry Williams (sax), Kim Hutchcroft (sax), Bill Reichenbach (trombone), and Gary Grant (trumpet) played the horn section on Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad — defining MJ's sonic signature.

Jennifer BattenJennifer Battenジェニファー・バトゥン was selected from over 100 candidates for Michael JacksonMichael Jacksonマイケル・ジャクソン's Bad World Tour (1987) guitarist spot. Her edge was tapping technique — trained at Musicians Institute in jazz, she'd transcribed Charlie Parker solos, and at the audition played a tapping arrangement of John Coltrane's 'Giant Steps.' Jazz discipline won her the biggest pop stage in history. She went on to play three MJ world tours and the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show (1993).

Billy Idol's guitarist Steve StevensSteve Stevensスティーヴ・スティーヴンス recorded the guitar solo on 'Dirty Diana' (1988). He expected an entourage at the studio but found only MJMichael Jacksonマイケル・ジャクソン, Quincy JonesQuincy Jonesクインシー・ジョーンズ, and an engineer. Quincy told him 'do whatever the fuck you want.' After the session, MJ said 'I really like the high notes' — the exact same compliment he'd given Eddie Van Halen after 'Beat It.' MJ's highest praise for a rock guitarist was always the same line.