Record Reviews

WEATHER REPORT ~ LIVE IN COLOGNE 1983 ART OF GROOVE 80052 (Barcode: 885513800527) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1983 Released: 2011 This is a live recording by the legendary Fusion ensemble Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, captured by the German WDR at the beginning of final period of their activity and presents the last steady lineup of the group: keyboardist Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, bassist Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, drummer Omar HakimFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose RossyFind albums by this artist. The music is spread across two CDs and is excellently recorded, being probably one of the best live Weather Report recordings as far sound quality is concerned. This revitalized lineup, formed following the departure of Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist, created an influx of new creative energies into the group that was slowly going out of steam. This music was recorded before the album "ProcessionFind albums with this title" was recorded in the studio by this lineup, and includes several early version of the album´s tunes, but also rearranged versions of Weather Report favorites. The band is in excellent shape and seems to be very excited and relaxed, which if felt in the music. In addition the album also features a wonderful Zawinul / Shorter duet as well as a short Rossy / Hakim duet, which of course can only be heard on live recordings such as this one. There is very little live Weather Report material available from this period and therefore this album is a true gem for the many fans of the group, filling many gaps. It is worth to remember that Weather Report never played bad music, contrary to what some people would like you to believe, which this album proves splendidly. Personally I remember hearing them at that time and those memories, compared to memories from gig in earlier periods always stood up to the challenge. Overall this is a great tribute to the memory of one of the most important Fusion bands of all times, which deserves an honorable place in any decent record collection, especially of course in collections owned by the band´s numerous fans. In short this is a must have if you love or ever loved this band!

Updated: 18/06/2016Posted: 18/06/2016

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

WEATHER REPORT ~ PROCESSION COLUMBIA 489775 (Barcode: 5099748977526) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1983 Released: 1991 This is the 12th album by the legendary band Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, which single handedly redefined the meaning of Fusion and led genre for two decades. It is also the first album by the last Weather Report lineup, which included the two leaders: keyboardist / composer Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / composer Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist with bassist Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, drummer Omar HakimFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose RossyFind albums by this artist. The music, mostly composed (as usual) by Zawinul, is a wonderful mixture of Jazz, Fusion, Funk and World Music influences. Although received coldly at the time, in retrospect it´s as good as anything else the group recorded, different of course from what they did previously, but that was the point after all. A must!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend