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