Wayne Shorter

The phrase "jazz legend" is promiscuously thrown around but there's no doubt the tag fits saxophonist/composer/bandleader Wayne Shorter. He was a key member of Miles Davis's seminal bands of the '60s and contributed many compositions to the Davis catalog. He remains best known as the co-founder of pioneering '70s jazz rock fusioneers Weather Report and has gone on to acclaim and multiple Grammys as a solo artist (he is still going strong at 75). He's captured in fine form in this Montreux performance, one showcasing a more organic sound than fusion's heyday (though the noodling guitar work of David Gilmore is a reminder of that era). Shorter is equally at home on tenor and soprano sax, and his signature rich sound is nicely captured, while the fluid camera work does the ensemble justice. The bonus tracks here are worth the price of admission alone. They feature two numbers each from Shorter's appearances at Montreux accompanying Herbie Hancock in 1991 and 1992, with Shorter's lyrical classic "Footprints" being a highlight. Those groups also include all-stars Stanley Clarke, Ron Carter, Tony Williams and Wallace Roney. This is sweet stuff, indeed.