A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil (1964)

One of the great Blue Note abums of the prolific 196o's period has to be Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil". Weeks into my first year of college studying jazz performance, i was literally chastised for not owning this album (among many others that will no doubt meet similar fates as this with a comment or two in StrictlyLampin'). Being publicly chastised for not owning a classic jazz recording was the ultimate initiation for first year students (which inevitably carried on in my case all through college). Unlike many university frosh weeks that seek to produce uncomprimising photos of freshman in altogether surreal activities unfit for sober human consumption, college jazz programs have their own first year embarassment rituals. In my case it was the walk of shame from the 3FL jazz department at HMV to the main floor cash to purchase this CD, one that I clearly should have bought or stolen by the time I was 7 (or so I was told... repeatedly).

Speak No Evil contains six Wayne Shorter compositions, with Elvin Jones, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Freddie Hubbard as the supporting cast in what I would easily describe as an absolute original master piece. This was a departure for Shorter from previous solo efforts as it gave him a chance to showcase a more lyrical bop approach. From the opening horn fanfare of "Witch Hunt" the albums tone is set. The rhythm section locks down a pocket groove that pushes Hubbard and Shorter to convey energy without breaking a sweat. That said, I can't imagine Shorter sitting still for long enough not to on his solo for the album's title track. Pushed by Hancock's lush voicings, it showcases all that is truly great about Wayne Shorter, from his melodic, lyrical ideas to the full beautiful tone of his horn.

Even after discovering many of Shorters other great recordings from this era, including Adam's Apple, Night Dreamer and Juju, this one stands out as my favorite and easily one of the most cherished discoveries of my college "hazings". Do yourself a favour and take the walk of shame... get this album!!!