MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER

Weather Report's fourth is another great achievement in this band's career. It continues the funkier approach of the preceding Sweetnighter, and while it avoids the free-jazz leanings of earlier work, the music is still very evocative and inspiring, still loose and freely flowing, only this time with a steady groove for support.

The great thing about Weather Report is how they don't hammer us down with virtuosic display, a trait that can be a bit of a turn-off in fusion. Not here, the focus is on interplay, rhythm, mood and atmosphere. Frankly, you get a lot in return for the absence of dazzling solos and virtuoso display. The opener is a great example. The live recording is not entirely satisfying but the tension they build in this African inspired piece can not be ignored. It is followed by the melodious American Tango and two less inspired funk fusion tracks (Cucumber Slumber and Mysterious Traveller) that seem to run around in circles without much conviction. The three last tracks at the end are more atmospheric and please me most of all.

Weather Report's evolution stays nicely in sink with Hancock, who also morphed from free-form fusion to funk-fusion in 73-74. It is still far removed from the commercial direction they would both take after 76 but there are some elements announcing a slicker style. Overall, a very good fusion album with some smart and irresistible rhythms. Great but not as good as what preceded. 3.5 stars