The Free Spirits were an American band that pioneered the fusion of jazz and rock, creating a foundational sound that bridged multiple genres. Blending jazz improvisation with rock instrumentation and pop sensibilities, they are credited as one of the first groups to successfully merge these styles into a cohesive musical identity.
The band's debut album, *Out of Sight and Sound* (recorded 1966, released 1967), stands as an early landmark in genre-fusion experimentation. Their innovative approach to combining jazz sophistication with rock energy helped establish a template for countless fusion and progressive artists that followed.