To describe Weather Report as just a rock/jazz group would be to do them less than justice. Most of their material would come under that category but titles like Blackthorn show a far wider outlook, one that is prepared to examine space and its subtle relationship with the sounds of the instruments.
In the main, their inspirational source is Miles Davis but even their overt rock items avoid the snare of over-elaboration that can afflict such music. Zawinul and Shorter are clearly the spiritual leaders and, between them, they account for all the compositions. They also shine in the restricted solo areas that they allow themselves, although it is perhaps strange that Cucumber should inspire both to produce their best work.
It is this that makes this a good record and confirms the fact that Weather Report has at least two men with something valid to say. As is so often the case with this style, the listener must ignore the excesses of the recording engineer. The atmospheric effects on Traveller and Scarlet Woman are rather contrived and the vocal additions to Jungle Book and Nubian can hardly be said to enhance the album. Against this can be marked up a rhythm section that succeed in what they attempt and give the group a really vital background. Although rock rhythms abound there are enough introspective moments to please anybody with an open minded attitude.
Discography
Nubian Sundance; American Tango; Cucumber Slumber (22¾ min) – Mysterious Traveller; Blackthorn Rose; Scarlet Woman; Jungle Book (25½ min)
Wayne Shorter (ten/sop): Josef Zawinul (pno); Miroslav Vitous (bs); Alphonso Johnson (bs); Ishmael Wilburn (dm): Dom Um Romao (perc).
(CBS 80027 £2.79)
