This is part of Blue Note's Limited Edition Connoisseur series.
The early recordings of Wayne Shorter retain a special place in the hearts of jazz aficionados. During his prolonged apprenticeship as a sideman in the 1960s, Shorter managed to outstrip such formidable leaders as Art Blakey and Miles Davis, becoming the defining conceptual catalyst in their greatest ensembles--both as a composer and improviser.
Over the course of several albums as a leader for Alfred Lion's Blue Note label, Shorter transcended the long shadows of such important early influences as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, developing an elliptical style all his own, and a fantastic repertoire of original material. These recordings, with their extraordinary range of styles and moods, confirm Shorter's place in the pantheon of modern jazz immortals.
In a sense, SCHIZOPHRENIA refers to the split personalities of a musician capable of exploring traditional ideas and adventurous experimental fare with equal vigor, originality and musical curiosity. Dating from March of 1967, SCHIZOPHRENIA presents a mature combination of contrasting musical designs, from the joyous concoction of blues and salsa sources that mark his arrangement of "Tom Thumb," to the oblique transformations of "Playground."
On the title tune, Shorter begins with cerebral, celestial voicings for tenor, flute and trombone--impressionistic and serene--when without warning, Joe Chambers' charged drum break announces a second, more angular theme at a breakneck tempo. Shorter solos as if he were playing all the accompanying instruments, building exquisite tension by alternating long intricate melodic lines, with jagged, repeated figures, harmonic inversions and calculated rhythmic suspensions. But Shorter is also capable of breathtaking tenderness, as on the gently waltzing "Miyako," where his pastel ensemble textures, gauzy tone and floating rhythmic conception, inspire Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Chambers to constantly regroup around his melodic figures.
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on March 10, 1967. Originally released on Blue Note (84297). Includes liner notes by Leonard Feather.
Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
Personnel: Wayne Shorter (saxophone, tenor saxophone); James Spaulding (flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Herbie Hancock (piano); Joe Chambers (drums).
Liner Note Author: Leonard Feather.
Recording information: Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (03/10/1967).
Personnel: Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone); James Spaulding (alto saxophone, flute); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Herbie Hancock (piano); Ron Carter (bass); Joe Chambers (drums).
Great 60's Shorter In the Adam's Apple mode, great mid-60's Shorter.
Only negative is that the album is too short at 36 minutes. Submitted by sfeinstein03 (Foxboro MA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
One of Wayne Shorter's best Tom Thumb alone is worth the price of 10 Cds. I could buy the album just to experience the all too rare blend of a tenor, alto and trombone front line by masters of their art. This is the perfect setting for Joe Chambers to exhibit his craft. Submitted by hgwalker3 (Philadelphia PA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 3 found this helpful.
GREAT RECORD!!!! Terrific session!!!! STUFFOSTUFF!!!! Submitted by najponk (Prague) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 9 of 9 found this helpful. This review is for a different format.
Great 60's Shorter
One of Wayne Shorter's best
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