The title of one of Shorter’s early sixties’ tunes, Wayning Moments, could unfortnately have applied to this concert. Shorter remains strongly individualist, imitated but almost inimitable as composer and instrumentalist, but this concert could not be said to be revelatory in the way that Shorter appearances in the sixties and seventies were. Backed by what one observer described as a ‘Mecca band’, Wayne played what used to be called ‘fusion’ and showed how far-reaching is the legacy of Weather Report.
Typically simple and often repetitive saxophone figures were sustained over a rhythm section that busied itself with funk, rock and snatches of swing. Shorter is not an assertive leader, nor does he hog attention with his tenor and soprano. He seems happiest as part of an organic unity, and though the familiar voice was discernible, his solos were low profile and too short. It was not always clear what was composed and what was improvised.
Much of the material was from the new CBS album, Atlantis. One exception was a mutant version of Beauty And The Beast. The head was played, then it was into modal funk rather than changes, and those who had hoped for some early sixties’ Shorter were disappointed.
In introducing the concert, promoter Anthony Wood spoke of the new interest in jazz among the young. It’s ironic that on his first tour as leader, Shorter should play electric ‘fusion’ when what London’s capuccino hipsters think they ought to hear is Blakey-style Shorter.
In the same December 1985 issue of Jazz Journal, Mark Gilbert reviewed Shorter’s new Atlantis album:
Shorter’s first date as leader for many years finds him still following the jazz-rock principles laid down by the classic Weather Report albums. He has not opted to return to the acoustic style of his early sixties units, though the links with those days can still be traced back from this new music.
What we have is intelligently crafted material, perfectly executed, some of it energetic, some impressionistic and reflective. Shorter still produces strong, simple themes and motifs, which are effectively developed, and often laid over fast-moving chord sequences similar to those he introduced in the sixties. He can still draw surprises from what many must now think is a near-exhausted seam, even if at times the music could fit comfortably on Radio 2.
It’s almost a certainty that Shorter’s new band is not going to achieve the stature of Weather Report, but it would be a mistake to dismiss that style of music as a spent force. It’s true that this record is not going to change the course of jazz history, but it is proof that when it comes to jazz-rock, Shorter is still at the top of his game.
Discography
Endangered Species; The Three Marias; The Last Silk Hat; When You Dream (20.23) – Who Goes There!; Atlantis; Shere Khan, The Tiger; Crianças; On The Eve Of Departure (21.53)
Shorter (ts/ss); Jim Walker (f/pic); Yaron Gershovsky, Michiko Hill (p); Larry Klein (b); Alejandro Acuna (d/pc); except on Endangered Species: Shorter; J Vitarelli (syn/ kyb); Ralph Humphrey (d); Lenny Castro (pc). Recorded Hollywood, Ca., probably 1985.
(CBS 26669)
