I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC

After their delightful debut, Weather Report reunited for another fusion landmark. I Sing The Body Electric is one of the most remarkable albums of its generation, expanding the free-jazz musicianship of Bitches Brew to create an magical atmosphere, very rich in tone, dreamy and sophisticated in ambience.

The album is roughly divided in two parts. Side one covers very ambient and experimental fusion territory, almost bordering on avant-garde sometimes. There's a very interactive musical balance between all members, with not one soloist taking the lead but all musicians contributing freely into the spontaneously created improvisation. Weather Report brings another type of fusion then the more riff-based and rocking fusion of MO and RTF so they might be a bit harder to grasp for rock fans, but I find it a mesmerizing experience.

Side B is more upbeat and aggressive but certainly not an easier listen. Quite the contrary, these tracks were recorded live and sometimes sound like Shorter and Zawinul engaged in a muscular dexterity battle instead of actually trying to create a musical dialogue. The Meddley and Directions are a very anarchistic and chaotic listen where my enjoyment very much varies depending on my mood. Surucucu is tighter and more memorable.

I wouldn't recommended this as a first fusion experience, but it is certainly worth tuning in to if you like the magical ambience Miles Davis' fusion albums. The first half of the album is simply brilliant, the remainder is a taste to be acquired, which makes me prefer the more consistently flowing debut. Nevertheless, a solid 4 stars overall.