 
In case you haven’t noticed, let me point it out to you right now: Wayne Shorter is on a roll. In fact, he’s been completely golden for the past 4 years. Not that we ever doubted this legend’s worth, but ever since he decided to take the all-acoustic route once again with his music, it seems he can do no wrong. Beyond The Sound Barrier is his third release for Verve since forming his regular quartet, which includes pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade. The group has been together now for about as long as the mid 1960s Miles Davis quintet which put the name Wayne Shorter on the map, and they are no less exciting to hear. The territory this group dares to explore on the concert stage is surveyed on the new album – its eight selections span live performances from 2001 to 2004, spotlighting new compositions, and even a couple of old ones. The old ones come from the 1988 Columbia album Joy Rider, a long out of print and largely overlooked album from Wayne’s post-Weather Report electronic phase. The way in which this quartet eagerly pushes, pounds, kneads and bakes these tunes like they’re having the time of their lives, the pieces might as well be new. - Michael Fortes |
Wayne
Shorter