Arguably, one of the most talked about Jazz orchestras currently traveling the lands, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has released a 2014-15 live showcase of compositions from power tenor and soprano saxophonist Wayne Shorter. The Music of Wayne Shorter (Blue Engine Records) features 10 compositions from the period 1959 through 1966, (with the exception of Diana, Endangered Species & The Three Marias) when Shorter was using his musical imagination to call out “his sound”
during a very progressive and fertile period in American Jazz music development.
Shorter, 81 at the time of these J@LC recordings, has reimagined his solos while J@LC respectfully S.W.I.N.G.S with new arrangements! For example, track 1 “Yes or No” OMG! does it invite you to stop in your footsteps upon first note and simply say “YES,” I. hear. you! It is as bright and welcoming as its’ orange colored packaging and worth every bit of the smile you’ll have after hearing it! The audience applause bears witness to its’ offerings! The players Ali Jackson on drums, Dan Nimmer, piano, Marcus Printup, trumpet, and Wynton Marsalis (to name only a few bandmates) are all at the top of their games on this delicious 2 disc cd set!
I felt so wonderful, lifted and inspired after listening to The Music of Wayne Shorter & Jazz at Lincoln Orchestra that I had to tell you all about it! I also invite you to join me Sunday, April 26th, @ 1 p.m., as we check into The Jazz Suite with guest Audrey Shakir, a vocalist with Jazz @ Lincoln Center aaaaaand also the mother of longtime J@LC member, tenor saxophonist Walter Blanding, who performs a swanky solo on “Teru!” Audrey Shakir, a voice fo’ shurr, looks forward to Y.O.U., checking in! Happy listening and the band plays on!
Debb Moore is the host of Jazz 91.9 WCLK's Jazz At Sundown, heard Monday-Friday 7pm-10pm, and The Sunday Jazz Suite, Sundays 11am-3pm.