Wayne Shorter - The Soothsayer (1979/2013) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/192kHz]

Originally recorded in 1965, "Soothsayer" might be one of those underrated classics that you only know about. Recorded with a superb line up and featuring powerful and emotional interplay between Shorter and the rest of sextet, "Soothsayer" is a magical session not to be missed. “Angola” and the title track feature some bombastic sections from Shorter, Williams and Hubbard. While “Lady Day” is a lovely and romantic tribute to Billie Holiday executed with sublime musicianship. "Soothsayer" was one of a series of albums Shorter had recorded during a highly prolific period in the mid-sixties. Along with Shorter playing in Miles Davis’ group and various other factors, The album's official release didn't happen until the late '70s. But it is still considered an excellent document of Wayne Shorter immense vision and creativity.

Part of an explosion of solo albums Wayne Shorter recorded just after he joined Miles Davis' band, The Soothsayer wasn't released until the late '70s. Listening to the album, it is hard to believe because it ranks with the best of his works from this incredibly fertile period. Shorter has been called Davis' "idea man," and the creativity and thoughtfulness that earned him that moniker are quite evident here. The album's five originals and one arrangement (of Sibelius' Valse Triste) show a multi-layered complexity that seems effortless even as it weaves together contributions from a very strong, stylistic sextet. Of particular interest is the interplay of the three horn players, including altoist James Spaulding and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. As a performer, Shorter also shows a lot of strength, with fluid, at times subtly evocative, solos that bloom with energy without ever seeming frantic or harsh. The title track shows Shorter at his most forceful and is one of the most passionate moments on the album, but even here, beauty seems to come first, while his low-key standard "Lady Day" embodies grace and calmness in every moment.

Tracklist:

01 - Lost
02 - Angola
03 - The Big Push
04 - The Soothsayer
05 - Lady Day
06 - Valse Triste

Produced by Alfred Lion. Engineered by Rudy Van Gelder.
Recorded on March 4, 1965 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

Musicians:
Wayne Shorter - tenor saxophone
James Spaulding - alto saxophone
Freddie Hubbard - trumpet
McCoy Tyner - piano
Ron Carter - bass
Tony Williams - drums


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