Wayne Shorter

The second of trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's two Impulse albums features the 25-year old in three separate settings. He is heard along with a tenor-saxophonist backed by strings ("Skylark," "I Got It Bad" and "Chocolate Shake" are all given beautiful treatments), with a 16-piece band and in a septet with Eric Dolphy and Wayne Shorter. This well-rounded and highly recommended showcase shows why Freddie Hubbard was considered the top trumpeter to emerge during the early '60s.

Art Blakey led many editions of his Jazz Messengers over more than three decades, but a strong argument can be made that the Messengers of his Riverside period constituted his strongest unit. With Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, and Curtis Fuller in the front line, with Cedar Walton and Reggie Workman as Blakey's rhythm-section mates, its combination of musicianship and sheer swinging force has rarely been equaled in a small band. Caravan was the first of Blakey's Riverside albums and endures as a living monument to his nonpareil drumming and leadership. His solo on the title tune is one of the finest recorded examples of Blakey's unique melding of precision and power. Hubbard and Shorter contributed memorable compositions and, with Fuller and Walton, some of the greatest soloing of the 1960s. Caravan rolls again in the full color and range of SACD sound.

Black Market is an instrumental jazz fusion album released by Weather Report in 1976. This album was produced by Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter. It was recorded in December 1975 and released in April 1976 through Columbia Records. This is Weather Report's seventh overall album and the first with the bass player Jaco Pastorius who features on two tracks. The back cover photo shows Pastorius, Chester Thompson and Alex Acuña with the band, although Alphonso Johnson played on more than half of the record. The album draws heavily from African influences and its style could be described as "world fusion". The second Track, "Cannon Ball" is tribute to Zawinul's then recently deceased former band leader, saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley.

"A Night In Tunisia" is Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers’ 1960 classic. The ensemble which includes Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Timmons, Jymie Merritt and Art Blakey is in exhilarating form. In the original liner notes by Barbara J. Gardner, she wrote: "This album is a prime example of Blakey's expressed desire to showcase his young talent. Not only is there extended solo room for the musicians; further, all but the title tune were written and arranged by the talented junior jazz citizens in his group". The recording features the standouts “A Night In Tunisia” and “Yama”. This is a vital addition to any music lover’s library.

"In A Silent Way" is Miles Davis’ 1969 masterpiece. It is widely regarded as one of Davis’ finest works and one of the most innovative jazz albums of all time. It is an unforgettable and intriguing fusion of jazz and rock. The album features fellow virtuosos Tony Williams, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Dave Holland and Joe Zawinul. The musicians create rich layers of brilliance. One of Rolling Stone's "50 Coolest Records of All Time". This is a landmark achievement and an important document in jazz history.

"Lush Life" was originally recorded in 1967 but was not released until 1980 in Japan under the title "Sweet Slumber", due to the success of Donaldson's album "Alligator Bogaloo" (also recorded in 1967). Featuring musicians such as Freddie Hubbard, Garnett Brown, Jerry Dodgion, Wayne Shorter, Pepper Adams, McCoy Tyner, Ron Carter and Al Harewood, the album was very well-received when it finally was released.

Highly regarded amongst critics, Art Blakey revolutionized the jazz scene, paving the way for those he mentored. Captured at a pivotal moment in the ensemble’s history, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers is a full display of the group’s undeniable chemistry. Blakey is joined by jazz legends, Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone), Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Bobby Timmons (piano) and Jymie Merritt (bass). With Blakey’s prominent drumming, the group performs classics including the hard swinging number “Alamode”, the standard “Invitation” and the lively “Circus”. This is essential listening for any music fan.

"The Gigolo" has no weak moments, featuring jazz aficionados Wayne Shorter, Harold Mabern, Bob Cranshaw and Billy Higgins. Produced by Alfred Lion. Recorded June 25 & July 1, 1965 at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

"Ready For Freddie" is Hubbard’s 1961 masterpiece and most iconic recording as a bandleader. Joined by an all-star lineup, which includes Bernard McKinney, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Art Davis and Elvin Jones, the album is widely considered one of the greatest releases in jazz history. Ready For Freddie includes the standouts “Marie Antoinette” and “Weaver Of Dreams”. "Ready For Freddie" is an absolute vital addition to your music library.