frogman
although I agree with supertweak that "Mysterious Traveler is creatively unique I really prefer the 1st three albums by Weather Report. Although I may agree the tunes on MT had more structure I like the extended pieces on the earlier albums which breathe with more open space and emphasis on the individual players and their interactions . My feeling is that as Zawinul became more prominent this element was lost. And also Shorters contributions seemed to fade with Zawinul's ascendancy. I don't listen to "Heavy Weather " anymore. That was the album that. introduced me to the group but I feel my tastes have changed over time.
As far as W Shorter in concerned I think he is under appreciated as a composer and saxophone player. Although he came up in the bebop era he forged a playing style so unique in the 60's with M Davis group. His probing never rushed solos which took advantage of space were unlike anyone at the time. It fit well with Davis who also used less notes and used space within his solso to create a mood.
And Idon't think Shorter gets enough credit for the compositions he wrote for Miles 60's group. I can't say enough abput this group and their move away from bebop which had dominated for almost 20 years. I am going back to that group to relisten to their output to gain new insights into the high level of musicianship they created.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qeJ9NEyxk8I
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xUC8NuiuXcs
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gZOoepKkpeI
although I agree with supertweak that "Mysterious Traveler is creatively unique I really prefer the 1st three albums by Weather Report. Although I may agree the tunes on MT had more structure I like the extended pieces on the earlier albums which breathe with more open space and emphasis on the individual players and their interactions . My feeling is that as Zawinul became more prominent this element was lost. And also Shorters contributions seemed to fade with Zawinul's ascendancy. I don't listen to "Heavy Weather " anymore. That was the album that. introduced me to the group but I feel my tastes have changed over time.
As far as W Shorter in concerned I think he is under appreciated as a composer and saxophone player. Although he came up in the bebop era he forged a playing style so unique in the 60's with M Davis group. His probing never rushed solos which took advantage of space were unlike anyone at the time. It fit well with Davis who also used less notes and used space within his solso to create a mood.
And Idon't think Shorter gets enough credit for the compositions he wrote for Miles 60's group. I can't say enough abput this group and their move away from bebop which had dominated for almost 20 years. I am going back to that group to relisten to their output to gain new insights into the high level of musicianship they created.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qeJ9NEyxk8I
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xUC8NuiuXcs
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gZOoepKkpeI