Weather Report [1971]

• Artist: Weather Report
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1971 02 16-1971 03 17
• Total Time: 39:49
• Genre: Jazz

Review

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. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Milky Way	Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul	Weather Report	(2:33)
Umbrellas	Wayne Shorter, Miroslav Vitous, Joe Zawinul	Weather Report	(3:27)
Seventh Arrow	Miroslav Vitous	Weather Report	(5:22)
Orange Lady	Joe Zawinul	Weather Report	(8:43)
Morning Lake	Miroslav Vitous	Weather Report	(4:25)
Waterfall	Joe Zawinul	Weather Report	(6:20)
Tears	Wayne Shorter	Weather Report	(3:25)
Eurydice	Wayne Shorter	Weather Report	(5:45)

Credits

Alphonse Mouzon (Drums), Wayne Shorter (Saxophone), Wayne Shorter (Sax (Soprano)), Wayne Shorter (?), Miroslav Vitous (Bass), Miroslav Vitous (Bass (Electric)), Weather Report (Main Performer), Airto Moreira (Percussion), Airto Moreira (Drums), Joe Zawinul (Keyboards), Joe Zawinul (Piano (Electric)), Don DeMichael (Liner Notes), John Snyder (Producer), Wayne Tarnowski (Engineer), John Ephland (Liner Notes), Vic Anesini (Digital Remastering), Paul M. Martin (?), Paul M. Martin (Art Coordinator)