Friday, August 12, 2011

Wayne Shorter: Odyssey of Iska


This album features music from Shorter's last recording session for Blue Note, and as far as I know is currently out of print in the US. Here's the AMG review:
On August 26, 1970, Wayne Shorter recorded two separate albums for Blue Note (the other one is Moto Grosso Feio), his final projects for the label. For this set, Shorter (doubling on tenor and soprano) utilizes a double rhythm section comprised of vibraphonist Dave Friedman, guitarist Gene Bertoncini, both Ron Carter and Cecil McBee on basses, drummers Billy Hart and Alphonse Mouzon, and percussionist Frank Cuomo. On the verge of joining Weather Report (referred to in the liner notes as "Weather Forecast"), it is not surprising that Shorter's originals include titles such as "Wind," "Storm," and "Calm." These moody works were never covered by other jazz players but they work quite well in this context, launching melancholy flights by Shorter.
Tracks:
1. Wind
2. Storm
3. Calm
4. De Pois Do Amour O Vazio
5. Joy

Personnel:
Wayne Shorter - tenor sax & soprano sax
Ron Carter - bass
Cecil McBee - bass
Gene Bertoncini - guitar
Billy Hart - drums
Alphonse Mouzon - drums
Frank Cuomo - percussion
David Friedman - vibraphone, marimba

If you like late 1960s & early 1970s fusion, you'll probably dig on this one as well.

Update: Since the original post, this recording has been reissued and is commercially available.