Soothsayer

Wayne Shorter | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 4, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000005HDI
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,509 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

post bop jazz - wayne shorter -

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Ezzential Jazz Clazzic; Buy Immediately, June 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Soothsayer (Audio CD)

Don't pay any attention to the previous high falutin' review; 'the Soothsayer,' along with 'Speak No Evil' are the two absolutely essential Shorter records of the mid '60s phase. That is, you cannot afford to suffer their lack if you're a Jazz fan. The others are the ones you may skip with less damage to your sensibilities. The 'Soothsayer' smokes from beginning to end. James Spaulding's very distinctive, Dolphyesque Alto provides great contrast throughout and really puts things on another level atmosphere-wise. The high-point though, and one of the high points in all of recorded jazz is the band's performance of Sibelius' 'Valse Triste' which amazingly was left off the original LP (probably because it didn't exactly follow from the rest of the record which is modal jazz in flavor). It is simply the coolest, most breathtakingly beautiful, jazz performance of a classical piece you will ever hear. Too bad you can't click on it here, because it would only take ten seconds of it to make you whip out your credit card.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mid 1960's Magic!, October 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Soothsayer (Audio CD)

When I first heard the title cut of this album in a record store over 20 years ago, I was fascinated by the sound of the group. Before I knew who was playing, I recognized McCoy Tyner and Tony Williams. But I'd never heard that combination before!

The saxophonist sounded very familiar, but I couldn't figure out who it was. He sounded Coltranesque at times; at other times he reminded me of Sonny Rollins. His influences notwithstanding, he had a very unique sound and approach.

Then I read the liner notes. Of course, Wayne Shorter! This was an incredible band: Wayne Shorter, James Spaulding, Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter, McCoy Tyner and Tony Williams. The other players in this rhythm section elicited a nuance from McCoy's playing with which I was not familiar.

James Spaulding and Freddie Hubbard are equally inspired. I've always admired the playing of James Spaulding, a shamefully underrecorded artist. Spaulding plays with an inspired elan that makes you wonder: Why only the handful of recordings under his own leadership?

The title cut, "The Soothsayer," is a wonderful example of master soloists passing the baton throughout an inspired performance. Shorter's solo is a masterful lesson in how to tell a story. You can feel Ron Carter and Tony Williams right there with him as he builds tension leading to that split toned climax near the end of his solo.

To my ears, Wayne's arranging throughout this album hints at the influence of Duke Ellington, via Charles Mingus, especially in the beautiful ballad, Lady Day. I would love to hear Wayne Shorter do more arranging for larger groups.

I can't say enough about Tony Williams' drumming throughout this session. It is a reminder of how much he is missed. Only 19 at the time of this recording, he plays with such incredible technique, but is so musical. He was a master conversationalist. On this album, especially on the title cut, it is amazing how he could build such tension and release just by laying off his ride cymbal for a few beats.

As the previous reviewer indicated, this is a "must have" recording for any Wayne Shorter fan. In fact, it is a "must have" for anyone who enjoys great music.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Wayne Shorter, July 27, 2008

By 

Richard L. Hulsebus "Rich H" (Daly City,CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Soothsayer (Audio CD)

This is as good as any other Wayne Shorter CD.Every solo,every second,supreme and sublime music.Wayne,Freddie Hubbard,McCoy Tyner,Ron Carter and the driving Tony Williams make this one hard to get out of your CD player.You will highly enjoy!!