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Wayne Shorter’s triumphant return to acoustic jazz on last years’ Grammy nominated live album,
Footprints: Live!, set the stage for this forward thinking and unique item in his discography. An album almost orchestral in scope,
Alegria finds Wayne Shorter revisiting both classic pieces made famous during his stay in the Miles Davis quintet along with more obscure traditional fare.
There is one new tune present-the opening cut "Sacajawea," which is rhythmically based on a driving boogaloo back beat. Shorter’s overdubbed dual soprano lines complement his frenetic linear tenor solo on this cut. A fabulous opening to an intriguing album to be sure. The overall mood of Alegria is predominantly one of cool contemplation. Fortunately, the orchestration never becomes overwrought, opting for a "less is more" approach, exemplifying Shorter’s compositional mastery.
Two classic 1960’s era compositions that were conceived during Shorter’s tenure with Miles Davis, "Angola" and "Orbits," make radically updated appearances here. "Angola" is driven along with an almost tribal African rhythm, which is a trait shared by quite a few of the tracks on this release. There is an almost world music like patina to these proceedings. "Orbits" initially takes a more relaxed approach, which is undercut by the mysterious multiphonic solo that Shorter delivers throughout the song. Never one to lack for interesting material, a traditional waltz, a choral piece and a 1930’s flamenco tune are all adapted for inclusion.
Another highlight is an absolutely gorgeous interpretation of Villa-Lobos’s "Bachias Brasieiras No.5." Hand percussion provides the foundation for cello and tenor sax to gently prod the piece along in a satisfying and wholly organic manner.
Despite the fact that a mere third of the tunes on this album are stripped down quartet tracks, the sporadic and tasteful appearances of a few string players and a small horn section give the album a more intimate feel than one would expect with such a large ensemble.
For those who’ve been waiting for Shorter to return to the studio to do an all acoustic recording, this should certainly satisfy. It’s not the rough and tumble recording that Footprints: Live! was, but this certainly adds a new wrinkle to the Shorter legacy. Stylistically alternating between the rich orchestration of "Serenata" and the free form tenor and drum dialogue of "Interlude", Alegria is a welcome return to the sort of diverse album that made Wayne Shorter required listening in the first place.
Wayne Shorter:
Alegria (Verve)
Release Date:
25 March 2003
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last update 21 April 2003