The Soothsayer is the seventh album by Wayne Shorter, recorded in 1965, but not released on Blue Note until 1979.[1] The album features five originals by Shorter and an arrangement of Jean Sibelius’ “Valse Triste”. An additional take of “Angola” was added to later CD releases (Wikipedia).
AllMusic Review by Stacia Proefrock:
Part of an explosion of solo albums Wayne Shorter recorded just after he joined Miles Davis’ band, The Soothsayer wasn’t released until the late ’70s. Listening to the album, it is hard to believe because it ranks with the best of his works from this incredibly fertile period. Shorter has been called Davis’ “idea man,” and the creativity and thoughtfulness that earned him that moniker are quite evident here. The album’s five originals and one arrangement (of Sibelius’ Valse Triste) show a multi-layered complexity that seems effortless even as it weaves together contributions from a very strong, stylistic sextet. Of particular interest is the interplay of the three horn players, including altoist James Spaulding and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. As a performer, Shorter also shows a lot of strength, with fluid, at times subtly evocative, solos that bloom with energy without ever seeming frantic or harsh. The title track shows Shorter at his most forceful and is one of the most passionate moments on the album, but even here, beauty seems to come first, while his low-key standard “Lady Day” embodies grace and calmness in every moment (http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-soothsayer-rvg-mw0000204482).
Track listing:
All compositions by Wayne Shorter except where noted.
“Lost” – 7:20
“Angola” – 4:56
“The Big Push” – 8:23
“The Soothsayer” – 9:40
“Lady Day” – 5:36
“Valse Triste” (Jean Sibelius) – 7:45
Personnel:
Wayne Shorter – tenor saxophone
Freddie Hubbard – trumpet
James Spaulding – alto saxophone
McCoy Tyner – piano
Ron Carter – bass
Tony Williams – drums
Released: 1979
Recorded: March 4, 1965
Studio Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs
Length: 50:21
Label: Blue Note
LT 988
Producer: Alfred Lion
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