Search - Wayne Shorter :: Footprints: Life & Music of Wayne Shorter

A great compliation, but read the new biography

SoundandFury | Salt Lake City, UT | 03/02/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"We're accustomed to compilations such as this falling short, but this one actually does give you a sense of the depth and breadth of Wayne Shorter's career. Columbia made a sincere effort toward complete representation of his musical journey and scored a real licensing coup with "Aja"--though it's probably just a sign of how beloved Wayne is among musicians that even Steely Dan gave up its closely guarded material for him. I wonder if this compliation's connection to the new biography has anything to do with its success. Like a previous reviewer, I'd recommend checking it out: The Life and Work of Wayne Shorter, by Michelle Mercer. Mercer gets way inside Wayne S's far out imagination and explains how his music is the product of an original and questing mind. The book is highly entertaining and moving."

Nice introduction to a great talent

It's Me, | Houston | 01/14/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One could make a case for Wayne Shorter as the best jazz composer of the post-bop eras. If not the greatest, he certainly makes the short list. Shorter has not previously been well-served by compilations since his best songs are spread out across several labels and different groups (solo projects, the Miles Davis Quintet, and Weather Report). This collection includes the highlights of all those eras plus some of his key sideman dates with Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell. I'm especially happy that his marvelous "Three Marias" song from the 1980's is included as it should be a standard. Shorter has so many years of great music that he would be better served by a comprehensive box set. However, since he is now in his 70's and still making great music, it might be preferable to wait a few more years before making one available. I've taken one star off due to overly bright mastering (to my ears). It's very apparent, especially on "Aja" and "Dry-Cleaner From Des Moines." Read the recently-released "Footprints" biography, which sheds light on the creation of all this beautiful music.

"

Excellent overview of Wayne Shorter's recorded legacy

Ian K. Hughes | San Mateo, CA | 08/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This superb 2-CD compilation, released in conjunction with Michelle Mercer's recent biography, gives an excellent overview of jazz legend Wayne Shorter's monumental musical contributions. Of course, die-hard fans already know all about the genius from Newark NJ, but for listeners just starting to explore Shorter's legacy, FOOTPRINTS presents the ideal introduction. The well-selected tunes span a period of over 40 years (1960-2000), which are taken from:



1) his work with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers



2) his amazing string of albums cut for Blue Note in the 1960's



3) his membership in the famed Miles Davis Quintet



4) his work as co-founder of the premier fusion band, Weather Report



5) his (rare) employment as sideman for such artists as Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell.



6) his tightly composed (acoustic/electric) solo work for Columbia in 1980's



7) some examples of his work in the 1990's (leader/co-leader & sideman)



8) one live cut from his latest group (a critically acclaimed acoustic quartet)



As far as this reviewer is concerned, the only caveat concerns the dearth of material (only 1 cut) from Shorter's years as part of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. This band, especially during Shorter's tenure (1960-64), did not by any means play a brand (as is sometimes voiced) of "mere hardbop" (whatever that is supposed to mean). In actuality, that particular incarnation of the Jazz Messengers happens to have been one of the greatest groups in jazz history (yes, on par with Coltrane Quartet and Miles Quintet). So, appealing as Wayne's classic "Lester Left Town" is, this reviewer was left wondering whether room could have been made for at least one other track. It may, in this regard, be of some value to point out that another 2-CD compilation ("Wayne Shorter: The Classic Blue Note Recordings") does focus (for the better part of 1 CD) on his work with Blakey. Whether it would be a suitable substitute for the CD currently being reviewed depends on how firmly ones interest lies in Shorter's Blue Note period.



In any case, FOOTPRINTS is an excellent overview of a truly great and influential musician, and will have served its purpose if it leads a listener to even a fraction of his numerous recordings. My recommendations for further exploration, especially for those on limited budgets, would be to pick up at least:



ART BLAKEY & JAZZ MESSENGERS:

"The Big Beat" *OR* "Mosaic" ( "Free for All" is a good extra choice )



BLUE NOTE SOLO ALBUMS:

The aforementioned 2-CD Blue Note compilation *OR* the decently priced "Great Sessions", featuring 3 complete classic albums- "Juju", "Speak No Evil", "Adam's Apple". ( "Supernova" is a good extra choice )



MILES DAVIS QUINTET:

"Miles Smiles" OR "Nefertiti" ( "Highlights from Live @ Plugged Nickel" is a good extra choice ).



WEATHER REPORT

"Mysterious Traveller" *OR* "Black Market" ( "Live & Unreleased" is a good extra choice )



1980's SOLO ALBUMS:

"Atlantis" ( if you can find it! )



1990's SOLO ALBUMS:

"High Life"



2000's SOLO ALBUMS:

"Alegria""