Weather Report - Weather Report (1971)

Here we have the free-floating, abstract beginnings of Weather Report, which would define the state of the electronic jazz/rock art from its first note almost to its last. Their first album is a direct extension of the Miles Davis In a Silent Way/Bitches Brew period, more fluid in sound and more volatile in interplay. Joe Zawinul ruminates in a delicate, liquid manner on Rhodes electric piano; at this early stage, he used a ring modulator to create weird synthesizer-like effects. Wayne Shorter's soprano sax shines like a beacon amidst the swirling ensemble work of co-founding bassist Miroslav Vitous, percussionist Airto Moreira, and drummer Alphonse Mouzon. Zawinul's most memorable theme is "Orange Lady" (previously recorded, though uncredited, by Davis on Big Fun), while Shorter scores on "Tears" and "Eurydice." One of the most impressive debuts of all time by a jazz group.

by Richard S. Ginell at All Music Guide.

Styles:
Fusion

Tracks:
01 Milky Way
02 Umbrellas
03 Seventh Arrow
04 Orange Lady
05 Morning Lake
06 Waterfall
07 Tears
08 Eurydice

Line-up:
Joe Zawinul - electric piano / keyboards
Wayne Shorter - soprano saxophone
Miroslav Vitous - bass / electric bass
Alphonse Mouzon - drums
Airto Moreira - percussion