Best of [Original recording reissued][Original recording remastered]

Weather Report

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 4, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000067ASU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #51,675 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There were so many versions of the band that Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter called home that this compilation probably should have been called The Best of Weather Reports. And considering its neglect of the group's first two albums, Weather Report (1971) and I Sing the Body Electric (1972), which contain some of the group's finest work, the subtitle "1973-1980" should have been added to this release. But if the collection, which contains no previously unreleased material, lacks breadth and unity, it does provide an enjoyable road map through this legendary fusion band's history, as they added newfangled instruments and ethnic influences and swapped musicians. Leading off with the infectious, hugely popular "Birdland," the album includes many of its better-known tunes, including the title tracks to Mysterious Traveller and Black Market and "Boogie Woogie Waltz" from the underrated Sweetnighter. It's a nice set to have, but hardly essential. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of Weather Report., December 16, 2003

By	Louie Bourland (Garden Grove CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Weather Report is one of the most important and significant bands in Jazz music. The band's permanent members were keyboardist Joe Zawinul and saxophonist Wayne Shorter both of whom had previously worked with Miles Davis. Between 1971 and 1986, Zawinul and Shorter employed a revolving door of bass players, drummers and percussionists thoughout their band's exsistance. Among them were Alphonso Johnson, Miroslav Vitous, Chester Thompson, Peter Erskine, Alex Acuna and the late Jaco Pastorious just to name a few.
The recent compilation "Best of Weather Report" is not a career spanning collection but does cover the band's most important and ground breaking period between 1973 and 1980.
Included in this compilation are the spaced-out experimental sounds of "Mysterious Traveller", the tough street-grooves of "Boogie Woogie Waltz", the intense polyrhythms of "Night Passage" and "Freezing Fire" as well as the melodic beauty of "A Remark You Made". Of course, no Weather Report collection is complete without the band's signature classic "Birdland". This track is Weather Report's best known compostition and has since gone on to become a Jazz-Fusion standard. Defnitely, a shining moment for the band.
"The Best Of Weather Report" displays a wealthy amount of great music from the band. The only minor complaint I have is that there is no material from the band's first two albums or their self-titled 12th album from 1982 (its last with bassist Jaco Pastorius). Apart from that, this is a great collection from Weather Report. The band has always displayed an excellent musical backdrop no matter who is playing with them. This CD is a great place to start for those unfamiliar with the band.
Definitive Jazz-Rock-Fusion from one the band's who helped pioneer the genre.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BAND THAT GOT ME INTO FUSION JAZZ IN THE 70's!, May 19, 2005

By	t'amant (WA) - See all my reviews

When I was about 10 in the early mid-seventies my Mom was a student at Webster College in the St. Louis area and Weather Report came one night to play the small (prob. under 1000 seat) theater there and I had the privilege of experiencing it up close and personal. It was usual that I was helping myself to all areas of the college and going backstage at events, etc. Well, I had seen music there before, but Weather Report was a different story! What was this strange, energetic and powerful music? My young mind absorbed it as if in a trance. At the end Wayne Shorter (the sax guy) said something to me which I don't remember, but I was in absolute awe by this time and was not my usual talkative self. Let's just say this was instrumental (not being punny) in pointing me to the musicians life and opening a whole new world of music besides The Beatles and Neil Young, etc. (of course I still love all the great Rock). I have many of the earlier albums, but this compilation, at 75 minutes, is a great introduction to the band and includes many great songs. Of course, you probably will want to pick up more since all of the albums are great! The flow is nice and the sound quality seems very high (I'm used to the records). Even if you have or will purchase more, this could fill the car or work slot or just be a good one cd way to get the WEATHER REPORT. great value, Enjoy!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the Best of weather report., November 24, 2008

By	William P. Carter - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a must have Cd for any fan real of Weather Report. It not just a collection on album cut.The producers of this CD took the best songs from Weather Report and put the in a very listenable order, that to me make it
must have for my collection. Bill