This is one of those amazing albums that you can lose yourself in and is pure joy to listen to. This was the 10th album that Weather Report released, and actually won a Grammy for best Jazz Fusion performance in ’79. It captures the classic line up of the band: Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, and Tye awesome Pete Erskine on the pots and pans. Very wide ranging in style, from world/African, Jazz, Rock, and fusion – this is just a fantastic record and is a lesson in groove and rhythm.
Check out opening track Black Market – it has everything I have just mentioned. It’s a wonderful track with some amazing playing by all concerned. If anyone was in any doubt just how amazing Jaco Pastorius was on the bass – just listen to his solo piece, Slang. Incredible! In places, this is an incredibly groovy record. With Teen Town the groove never stops, Birdland with its infectious boogie-woogie style, and The Orphan with its African rhythms.
I know there is more music now than there has ever been, but you really have to dig to find bands playing like this. Other than Snarky Puppy, there aren’t many young bands playing with this much freedom. If you would like to dip your toe into the waters of Weather Report, you could start with this or try anything after ’74 when the groove was the primary focus.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
