The Wayne Shorter Quartet is widely regarded as the greatest improvisational jazz group on the planet right now, and it’s fair to say that history will bump that status up to “of all time.” Featuring Shorter on tenor and soprano, Danilo Perez on piano, John Patitucci on bass and Brian Blade on drumz, all of whom have their own storied careers loaded with band leading credits and award after award, the ensemble is simply awe-inspiring when it comes together. Songs are merely ideas to them, tiny touchstones in hour to hour and a half sets of continuous, unique music.
Words can only fail to capture just what happens on stage for this band–far better to let the music speak for itself. This particular gig is my personal favorite, a show from Switzerland in the spring of 2007. It starts off like the soundtrack to a fantasy film and then spirals off in a slew of different directions, settling in for a good takes on She Moves Through The Fair, Smilin’ Through and later Over Shadow Hill Way, with a half dozen other teases sandwiched in between. It’s a truly majestic performance and probably best appreciated in a single sitting. So find some time, strap on some headphones, and as always, enjoy!
