Playlists

This Week: Wayne Shorter - Seamlessly blending innovation and tradition, Wayne Shorter left an indelible mark on the world of music

Wayne Shorter is widely considered one of the most important and influential jazz musicians and composers of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

I was very lucky to spend quality time with Wayne on several occasions. He was always encouraging and humble in the way that only people confident in their intrinsic value can be. He always had this warm wit and relaxed courage shining in his way of being and speaking.

He was born on August 25, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, and his career spans decades of innovation and collaboration with other jazz legends.

Wayne Shorter was an exceptional saxophonist who was highly skilled in both tenor and soprano saxophone. His technical mastery is often cited as groundbreaking, and it has been inspirational to many younger musicians.

Mr. Shorter was an innovator in various styles of jazz including hard bop, post-bop, fusion, and avant-garde jazz. He was known for his ability to cross genres and for his adventurous approach to composition and improvisation.

Wayne was a key member of some of the most iconic groups in jazz history. He was a part of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, where he came into prominence. He then joined the second great quintet of Miles Davis, a group that also included Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams, and was crucial in pushing the boundaries of acoustic jazz. Later, he co-founded the fusion band Weather Report with Joe Zawinul.

Mr. Shorter is also highly regarded for his compositions, many of which have become jazz standards. Songs like "Footprints," "Speak No Evil," and "Infant Eyes" are considered classics of the jazz repertoire.

Even into the 21st century, Shorter remained active and relevant. He has received numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, and has been a mentor to younger generations of musicians. His modern recordings have been well received, demonstrating an artistic vitality that has spanned decades.

Wayne Shorter's work is studied in music school’s around the world, not just for its technical virtuosity but also for its depth and emotive power. His approach to improvisation and composition has shaped educational curricula and inspired countless musicians to explore the boundaries of jazz and other musical genres.

Wayne Shorter’s impact on jazz and modern music is broad and deep, affecting not just the musicians who have played with him but also the broader understanding and appreciation of jazz as an art form.

The recently released Wayne Shorter four part documentary, Zero Gravity, is one of the best Jazz films I’ve ever seen. It’s on Amazon Prime. Here’s the trailer.

Memory of Enchantment: Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock

Wayne’s heavenly encounter with Milton Nascimento.

Wayne came to prominence with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.

Wayne Shorter’s Final Gig and an excerpt from what I call his First Symphony