Night Dreamer [Extra tracks, Original recording remastered]

Wayne Shorter | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 1, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording remastered
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B0007M23A6
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,660 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wayne's First, One of His Best, March 1, 2005

By 

Michael B. Richman (Portland, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Night Dreamer (Audio CD)

Wayne Shorter's "Night Dreamer," his first album as a leader for Blue Note, briefly drifted out-of-print on CD over the past year, but now is back in all its remastered glory with this RVG reissue. And it's a good thing too because this is not only one of Wayne's best efforts, but one of Blue Note's all-time Top 50 discs. The tenor-saxophonist is joined on this April 29, 1964 session by Lee Morgan, McCoy Tyner (listed amusingly as "Etc" on the cover for contractual reasons), Reggie Workman and Elvin Jones. On "Night Dreamer," Shorter takes the composition and playing talents that he honed with the Jazz Messengers to a new level. (In fact, Miles Davis was impressed enough by Wayne's growing stature to offer him a spot in his second great quintet later that year.) The songs featured here, especially "Black Nile," "Virgo" and the title track are as good as anything Shorter penned, and that's saying something considering how many classic tunes he wrote during the 60s and beyond. But as good as the writing is, the playing is even more remarkable. In my opinion, Wayne has forged a cleaner sound, and a more distinctive yet somewhat ethereal voice since his earlier days with Blakey's group. His musical understanding with his colleagues, particularly frontline partner Lee Morgan, is unparalleled. And speaking of chemistry, the rhythm trio of McCoy, Elvin and Reggie Workman certainly have it after all the time they spent together with John Coltrane. Personally I still find "Speak No Evil" to be Shorter's best BN outing, but "Night Dreamer" is a very close second (as in 2nd place in the 100m dash at the Olympics!). Thanks to the RVG series, those who have previously neglected to get this classic jazz album, no longer have to dream about buying "Night Dreamer."

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hidden Gem, April 17, 2006

By 

MDC - See all my reviews

This review is from: Night Dreamer (Audio CD)

This is Shorter's first Blue Note album and it is without a doubt a classic. It definitly has a Coltrane influence in its virtuosity. However, you can really see Shorter developing his own voice: one that really takes off on his next series of albums on this same label. Also, unlike Coltrane, he lets another horn compliment and shine, especially on this album. You really cant go wrong with any of the albums that followed, such as "Speak no Evil" or "Ju Ju". However, the reason I would choose this one first is the lineup that accompanies him. Lee Morgan is one of the most underated trumpet players. He and Shorter really hit a stride together. The combination of McCoy Tyner(piano) and Elvin Jones (drums) round out a premier band. It has more of a mellow feel than his next few albums. I would also add that I totally disagree with the assesment in another review that Shorter is "better" than Coltrane. I think such comparisons are silly. Coltrane was going for a totally different feel; more experimental and spirtual, for a lack of better terms. Shorter is seeking more of a mood. Both are valid expressions. Shorter is much more acessible. You will love this album on the first listen. That shouldnt dissuade you that its not a great work, however. It really is great jazz listening. I never grow tired of this album.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nocturne Romantic, February 25, 2008

By 

Jack Baker "Beauty Will Save the World" (LeRoy,IL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Night Dreamer (Audio CD)

Night Dreamer is a collection of six Wayne Shorter originals, plus an alternate version of "Virgo". Shorter chose his fellow musicians well for this session, employing Lee Morgan on trumpet, Reggie Workman on bass, Elvin Jones on drums, and McCoy Tyner on piano. These performers all complement the music well, particularly Tyner and Morgan, who play to the mood of the material. Elvin Jones is the picture of restraint here, his solid drumming maintaining the relaxed mood of the album, as well as delivering a great solo near the end of "Charcoal Blues". Wayne Shorter is brilliant throughout, his sax tone rich and his phrasing magnificent. This was Shorter's first release as a leader on Blue Note and it's clear that his songwriting abilities, honed in The Jazz Messengers, were entering a new stage here. Night Dreamer is an apt title for this album, as all six songs have a languor to them, bringing to mind a dream state. The music is intricate, removed from hard bop, but not totally divested of its influence. It's very brave, mature music from an artist about to embark on his own path. From the sensual opening of the title track, to the a cappella saxophone just before the close of "Virgo", and the dark foreboding of "Armageddon" that closes the album, Shorter has crafted a true musical statement, haunting and mysterious.