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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 excellent overview of Wayne Shorter's recorded legacy Aug 08, 2006
This superb 2-CD compilation, released in conjunction with Michelle Mercer's recent biography, gives an excellent overview of jazz legend Wayne Shorter's monumental musical contributions. Of course, die-hard fans already know all about the genius from Newark NJ, but for listeners just starting to explore Shorter's legacy, FOOTPRINTS presents the ideal introduction. The well-selected tunes span a period of over 40 years (1960-2000), which are taken from:
1) his work with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
2) his amazing string of albums cut for Blue Note in the 1960's
3) his membership in the famed Miles Davis Quintet
4) his work as co-founder of the premier fusion band, Weather Report
5) his (rare) employment as sideman for such artists as Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell.
6) his tightly composed (acoustic/electric) solo work for Columbia in 1980's
7) some examples of his work in the 1990's (leader/co-leader & sideman)
8) one live cut from his latest group (a critically acclaimed acoustic quartet)
As far as this reviewer is concerned, the only caveat concerns the dearth of material (only 1 cut) from Shorter's years as part of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. This band, especially during Shorter's tenure (1960-64), did not by any means play a brand (as is sometimes voiced) of "mere hardbop" (whatever that is supposed to mean). In actuality, that particular incarnation of the Jazz Messengers happens to have been one of the greatest groups in jazz history (yes, on par with Coltrane Quartet and Miles Quintet). So, appealing as Wayne's classic "Lester Left Town" is, this reviewer was left wondering whether room could have been made for at least one other track. It may, in this regard, be of some value to point out that another 2-CD compilation ("Wayne Shorter: The Classic Blue Note Recordings") does focus (for the better part of 1 CD) on his work with Blakey. Whether it would be a suitable substitute for the CD currently being reviewed depends on how firmly ones interest lies in Shorter's Blue Note period.
In any case, FOOTPRINTS is an excellent overview of a truly great and influential musician, and will have served its purpose if it leads a listener to even a fraction of his numerous recordings. My recommendations for further exploration, especially for those on limited budgets, would be to pick up at least:
ART BLAKEY & JAZZ MESSENGERS:
"The Big Beat" *OR* "Mosaic" ( "Free for All" is a good extra choice )
BLUE NOTE SOLO ALBUMS:
The aforementioned 2-CD Blue Note compilation *OR* the decently priced "Great Sessions", featuring 3 complete classic albums- "Juju", "Speak No Evil", "Adam's Apple". ( "Supernova" is a good extra choice )
MILES DAVIS QUINTET:
"Miles Smiles" OR "Nefertiti" ( "Highlights from Live @ Plugged Nickel" is a good extra choice ).
WEATHER REPORT
"Mysterious Traveller" *OR* "Black Market" ( "Live & Unreleased" is a good extra choice )
1980's SOLO ALBUMS:
"Atlantis" ( if you can find it! )
1990's SOLO ALBUMS:
"High Life"
2000's SOLO ALBUMS:
"Alegria"
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
A great compliation, but read the new biography Mar 02, 2005
We're accustomed to compilations such as this falling short, but this one actually does give you a sense of the depth and breadth of Wayne Shorter's career. Columbia made a sincere effort toward complete representation of his musical journey and scored a real licensing coup with "Aja"--though it's probably just a sign of how beloved Wayne is among musicians that even Steely Dan gave up its closely guarded material for him. I wonder if this compliation's connection to the new biography has anything to do with its success. Like a previous reviewer, I'd recommend checking it out: The Life and Work of Wayne Shorter, by Michelle Mercer. Mercer gets way inside Wayne S's far out imagination and explains how his music is the product of an original and questing mind. The book is highly entertaining and moving.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Nice introduction to a great talent Jan 14, 2005
One could make a case for Wayne Shorter as the best jazz composer of the post-bop eras. If not the greatest, he certainly makes the short list. Shorter has not previously been well-served by compilations since his best songs are spread out across several labels and different groups (solo projects, the Miles Davis Quintet, and Weather Report). This collection includes the highlights of all those eras plus some of his key sideman dates with Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell. I'm especially happy that his marvelous "Three Marias" song from the 1980's is included as it should be a standard. Shorter has so many years of great music that he would be better served by a comprehensive box set. However, since he is now in his 70's and still making great music, it might be preferable to wait a few more years before making one available. I've taken one star off due to overly bright mastering (to my ears). It's very apparent, especially on "Aja" and "Dry-Cleaner From Des Moines." Read the recently-released "Footprints" biography, which sheds light on the creation of all this beautiful music.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
I Need A Box-Set! Please!! Jan 09, 2005
When I first heard that this compilation was coming out, I worried that the effort might come up short if the music was not packaged correctly to do justice to the complete artistry of Wayne Shorter. Mr. Shorter has earned the right to be packaged and presented as a "Jewel of Jazz". This two-disc presentation almost misses an opportunity to truly capture his genius and contributions to both global music and modern Jazz.
Like the "Portrait of Jaco" compilation of bassist Jaco Pastorious, I asked the question - Where is the third disc? Wayne has made so many different contributions to music, that a two-disc compilation might sell him short. This music could have easily been presented as a three dics package with each disc covering a unique prospective of Wayne's career. Disc One would cover the early Art Blakey & Solo Blue Note period. Disc Two would cover the Miles Davis and early Weather Report period. Disc three would cover Weather Report, Wayne's Brazillian recordings ,his solo projects of the 1980's and his contributions to other artist's work - like Joni Mitchell, Bill Laswell, Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, Manhatten Project, Gil Evans, JJ Johnson, Santana and VSOP. And if there was a bonus fouth disc - it would cover the current quartet along with the selections from his last three recordings. I guess a four-disc box set would be required to do Wayne justice.
"Footprints" gives us a brief sampling of Wayne Shorter's contribution to our vast and diverse musical world. I can listen to this timeless music repeatedly, without ever tiring of its' depth and beauty. Wayne Shorter writes music that is stimulating & alive, and he always manages to stay fresh and ahead of current musical trends. His contributions to the growth and evolution of Jazz will be significant for years to come. I just wish that "Footprints" could have offered just a little more for first-time listeners. This artist deserves to be heard more, but this will due for now. Please check out Wayne's previous recordings - you will not be disappointed. His Blue Note and Columbia recording are worth adding to your collections. "Footprints" represents the tip of a very significant iceberg. Enjoy!!!
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