Zawinul (1970)

Zawinul is a superb album by Jazz composer and pianist Joe Zawinul, recorded in 1970. Conceptually and sonically, this is really the first Weather Report album in all but name, confirming that Joe Zawinul was the primary creative engine behind the group from the beginning. It is also the link between Weather Report and Miles Davis keyboard-laden experiments on "In A Silent Way" from 1969; indeed, the tune In A Silent Way is redone in the more complex form in which Zawinul envisioned it. The line-up on Zawinul includes Zawinul and the formidable Herbie Hancock on keyboards, putting the galactic sound effects of the Echoplex and ring modulator to good use. The third founder of Weather Report, Miroslav Vitous, checks in on bass. Hardbopping trumpeter Woody Shaw proves to be perfectly adept at the jazz-rock game. Also Jack DeJohnette features on melodica and percussion, as does Hubert Laws on flute and Wayne Shorter on soprano sax. (bron: Bertus / MOV)