Wayne Shorter

Odyssey of Iska is the fourteenth album by American jazz composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter, released on Blue Note Records in 1971.

"Juju" is Wayne Shorter’s 1964 classic. Within this undeniable masterwork, the influences of John Coltrane are evident. The recording, his second as a bandleader for Blue Note Records, highlights his unmatched virtuosity. Performing with artistic sensitivity, the album features pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Reginald Workman and drummer Elvin Jones. This is the same rhythm section Coltrane utilized for his 1961 album Africa/Brass. The quartet not only showcases their thrilling chemistry but also their riveting solo talents, performing Shorter originals including “House Of Jade”, “Mahjong”, “Juju” and many more. The album is an essential document of Wayne Shorter’s compositional genius.

Pianist and composer Denny Zeitlin is heralded for his innovations in the world of jazz music. His consistent ability to find creative ways to expand and adapt within and beyond the genre throughout his tremendous career has been remarkable. Zeitlin remains a fan of the music and other innovators, including the singular saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter, whose amazing compositions are featured on Zeitlin’s new recording, Early Wayne.

Wayne Shorter was 15 when he first wrote and Illustrated his first comic book in blue ballpoint pen. That was in 1949, and Shorter has traveled great distances since, becoming an influential saxophonist, a 10-time Grammy winner and one of the most highly regarded composers in modern jazz. But as any fan of Shorter's can attest, he has held onto his teenage fixation with superheroes and sci-fi, as well as the comic book arts - so it's fitting that his highly anticipated next release, Emanon, released on Blue Note includes an original graphic novel — a cosmic-heroic odyssey written by Shorter with help from the screenwriter Monica Sly, and featuring art by Randy DuBurke — along with three albums of new music.

Originally recorded in 1965, "Soothsayer" might be one of those underrated classics that you only know about. Recorded with a superb line up and featuring powerful and emotional interplay between Shorter and the rest of sextet, "Soothsayer" is a magical session not to be missed. “Angola” and the title track feature some bombastic sections from Shorter, Williams and Hubbard. While “Lady Day” is a lovely and romantic tribute to Billie Holiday executed with sublime musicianship. "Soothsayer" was one of a series of albums Shorter had recorded during a highly prolific period in the mid-sixties. Along with Shorter playing in Miles Davis’ group and various other factors, The album's official release didn't happen until the late '70s. But it is still considered an excellent document of Wayne Shorter immense vision and creativity.

Considered by many fans and critics alike to be Wayne Shorter finest album, "The All Seeing Eye" is a fabulous spiritual study which could be building blocks for his future projects such as Weather Report. Originally released in 1965 and continues to be revered and praised "The All Seeing Eye" featured an incredible line up of young talent that would turn into legends of the jazz scene. The title track and "Genesis" being standouts from the session; but also the album features Wayne Shorter's brother Alan on flugelhorn on the phenomenal final track "Mephistopheles". The piece was also written by Alan. "The All Seeing Eye" was another of a large selection of albums Shorter would record in a short and highly prolific time period.

Moto Grosso Feio is the thirteenth album by Wayne Shorter, recorded in 1970 but not released on the Blue Note label until 1974. The album features four originals by Shorter and an arrangement of "Vera Cruz" by Milton Nascimento.

On "Adam’s Apple", Wayne Shorter leads an all-star rhythm section, which features drummer Joe Chambers, pianist Herbie Hancock and bassist Reggie Workman. This 1966 session finds Shorter at the peak of his career, with his saxophone soaring from start to finish. The album showcases one of his best known compositions, “Footprints”. Other standouts include “El Gaucho” and the title-track. The album remains one of music’s greatest masterpieces.