Orbits and Prometheus Unbound – 2014
Wayne Shorter Quartet
A dramatic and adventurous miniset by Shorter’s long-time quartet
Wayne Shorter (1933-2023) was always a very original saxophonist and writer, one who followed his own unpredictable but ultimately logical direction in his music.
Shorter had several longtime associations in his career including working with Art Blakey Jazz Messengers (1959-64), the Miles Davis Quintet (1964-70), and Weather Report (1971-86).
In 2000 Shorter formed a quartet with pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade that lasted until he retired from playing in 2018.
In this 2014 concert that celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Blue Note label, Shorter (switching between soprano and tenor) performs abstract and dramatic renditions of “Orbits” and “Prometheus Unbound” during a continuous performance, typically sounding unlike anyone else.
-Scott Yanow
