Where oh where is Weather Report?!?

jzucker · #1 05-19-2006, 12:19 PM

I can't believe they went away and left us with smooth jazz...

I was just listening to Heavy Weather (circa '77) I can't believe how hip that still sounds...

Zawinul up to anything lately?

**Vorago** · #2 05-19-2006, 12:24 PM

I've seen him recently on German television together with the Berlin something something orchestra. Steve Bailey on bass!

jzucker · #3 05-19-2006, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vorago

I've seen him recently on German television together with the Berlin something something orchestra. Steve Bailey on bass!

I bet that's cool. His website says something about a big band...

**Vorago** · #4 05-19-2006, 12:32 PM

Yeps that's it, the WDR bigband

DaveBeny · #5 05-19-2006, 03:03 PM

Joe Zawinul is still going strong with his Zawinul Syndicate.

**Blackbird** · #6 05-19-2006, 05:32 PM

But is his music as relevant? Or does it just blend into the landscape?

He sure hires good bassists: Bona, Bailey, Etienne Mbappe (although I never heard him)

superbassman2000 · #7 05-19-2006, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzucker

I can't believe they went away and left us with smooth jazz...

I was just listening to Heavy Weather (circa '77) I can't believe how hip that still sounds...

Zawinul up to anything lately?

i don't know, i think fusion is still alive and kicking

jerry · #8 05-20-2006, 02:20 AM

I recently picked up a live Zawinul Syndicate called Vienna Nights. It has Linley Marthe on bass, and he's awesome! Scott Henderson is ripping it up on some of it too, Joe always has smokin' bands! There is still good old fiery electric jazz out there today, you just have to dig a little to find it.

middlebit · #9 05-20-2006, 02:46 AM

I went to see Joe and his Syndicate last year and it was indeed what you call 'relevant'. Very much so! They are not a copy of Weather Report but the spirit and the musicianship is on the same level. I tell you too - there wasn't a single dry-eyed Weather Report fan in the house for the closing Badia/Boogie Woogie Waltz - it was that powerful.

Bruce Lindfield · #10 05-20-2006, 02:58 AM

I agree - Joe Zawinul is still making good music and touring with great live bands.

But don't forget that the other WR founder member - Wayne Shorter, is also leading one of the best Acoustic Jazz groups around - touring the world and playing some fantastic improvised sets !

I've seen both Joe and Wayne's bands play live in my hometown!!

JimK · #11 05-20-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Etienne Mbappe (although I never heard him)

That's the guy that plays with silk gloves on...he's bad!

Grueber · #12 05-20-2006, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbird

He sure hires good bassists: Bona, Bailey, Etienne Mbappe (although I never heard him)

I would like to add Gerald Veasley to that list

Danny R. · #13 05-26-2006, 03:20 PM

I just got the "Weather Update" DVD and it's awesome? Victor Bailey is playing a red fender and it sounds great, it was recorded last year I think.

jzucker · #14 05-26-2006, 03:24 PM

wow! Is that available on amazon?

Danny R. · #15 05-26-2006, 03:31 PM

I got it @ the Virgin store in Hollywood, amazon is a good place to look for it I guess.

Headroom · #16 05-27-2006, 10:49 AM

As a side note, Wayne Shorter recorded some excellent music in the 60's for Blue Note Records as solo artist. “Speak No Evil" and 'Adam’s Apple" are two albums I can recommend. The jazz standard 'Footprints" appears on the latter.

Richard Lindsey · #17 05-27-2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Headroom

As a side note, Wayne Shorter recorded some excellent music in the 60's for Blue Note Records as solo artist. “Speak No Evil" and 'Adam’s Apple" are two albums I can recommend. The jazz standard 'Footprints" appears on the latter.

You gotta add JuJu and Night Dreamer on there! (Don't get the Shorter nuts started ....)

pauljacksonfan · #18 05-28-2006, 05:07 AM

Anyone who likes WR should definietly check out what Joe's been up to lately. I saw the current version of the syndicate (with the unbelievable Linley Marthe on bass, Nathaniel Townsley on drums and awesome new find Allegre Correa on guitar among others) and they're smoking the place up. Linley has an extreme feeling for groove, even when he's fueling high-speed afro beat songs with steady 16th, or even 32nd(!) basslines. But chops aside, he can really hold it down and get a great tone out of his 70's jazz bass. Go see them you'll be blown away.

Now, I've seen Joe's bands a couple of times and I have to say they only get better. I think this is in no small part due to his ability to match the greatest players from around the world. Last time I saw he had people on stage from almost every continent in the world, and everyone gets a chance to really show us who he/she is. Bass player-wise he's, IMO, only gotten better with every year. I know this might offend some people, but I think he's constantly traded himself upwards. From Bailey to Veasley, from Veasley to Laboriel, and then his trio of african bass players; Richard Bona, Etienne M'bappe and the aforementioned Linley Marthe.

For a great starting place to his amazing bands check out his latest studio album Faces and Places (featuring M'bappe, Bona and Bailey). You won't be disappointed. Then check out the live discs Midnight jam and Vienna nights and you'll be hooked for life.

Rant: over