LIVE & UNRELEASED

This was the first archival release from WEATHER REPORT released in 2002 and consisting of live tracks from 1975 to 1983. So an over 2 hour compilation of live tracks featuring the many musicians of course who played in the band over that time. My wheelhouse for this band is that three album run from 1972 to 1974 that followed their debut. Man that debut is good but a tough listen for me, with it getting close to free jazz at times.

I don't seem to "get" this band in a live setting. Now the second disc here is the toughest listen for me as I'm not into their later period with Pastorius at all, or the music beyond that. But the first disc does have it's moments, but clearly this is not a 4 star recording for me given my lack of love of most of their music from "Heavy Weather" on.

The opener and closer from disc one are easily my two favourite tracks. Surprisingly both are from "Tale Spinnin'" not exactly a favourite of mine but "Freezing Fire" and "Man In The Green Shirt" stand out above the rest. If your a fanboy of this band you'll probably love this recording, if your just into specific periods of this band you may want to sample this first before buying.