WEATHER REPORT

Undoubtfully WEATHER REPORT were among the strongest and most ground-breaking bands of the Jazz-Rock/Fusion field.Formed by saxophonist Wayne Sorter and Austrian keyboardist Joe Zawinul, both members of MILES DAVIS's former line-up,WEATHER REPORT tried to lead MILES DAVIS' sound a step further.They recruited Czech bassist Miroslav Vitous,drummer Alphonso Mouzon and percussionist Airto Moreira (from RETURN TO FOREVER) to complete the original line-up of the quintet.

Their debut,simply carrying their name,was released on February 1971 and was a very good starting point.The improvisation of MILES DAVIS,the smooth jazz interplays of RETURN TO FOREVER along with the members' strong personality guarantee a satisfying result.Often led by a soft style and a relaxed musicianship,the compositions are based on Shorter's both dynamic and calm saxes,the maginificent piano strings of Zawinul and the funky bass lines of Vitous.Mouzon offers also a surprising performance,characterized by his fast drumming next to Moreira's percussion's beauty.The structures of the arrangements can be abstract and pleasant at the same time,while the improvisational parts are shortened to allow the members to develop some good well-executed ideas.This album can be ethereal and pleasant,while the next moment finds you lost in a complex labyrinth.''Weather report'' was a really good debut and definitely a recommended release for anyone who wants to start succesfully his journey into theJazz-Rock territory...3.5 stars!