WEATHER REPORT (1982)

The record opens with a glad and jazzy "Volcano for Hire" caracterized by great rhythmic section by Robert Thomas' quick percussions, Peter Erskine's drums and the mythical Jaco's Fender Jazz fretless. Zawinul and Wayne Shorter lead the song with great harmonies beetween keyboard and sax. After a quick beginning of the album, "Current Affairs" slows down the rhythm, but not the class and the greatness of musicianship. Drums and percussions are more simply, Jaco's bass plays really soft, like only him did. Zawinul accompanies the great melodies of Shorter on sax. Really a great track. The third song is called "N.Y.C." and is divided in three parts: "Part One: 41st Parallel", "Part Two: The Dance" and "Part Three: Crazy about Jazz". It starts with synth noises by Zawinul to became a jazzy rocked song with quick rhythm and great instrumental harmonies. In the end of the first part the athmosphere is more soft, but only to introduce another vibrating part. The second part is more jazz than the previous one, but, still with typical sounds that caracterized Weather Report fusion. Jaco is great in this part, with bass solos not fine to it same. The third part follow the previous two, with the same style. So lead melodies by Shorter sax. The impression is that all returns to the beginning of the song with vibrating drums and percussions and an alternating lead moods beetween keyboards and sax. "Dara Factor One" is more jazz rock than the previous tracks. The rhythm is improoving while the song go on. There is place for more solos and every body contribute to the melody of the song. Maybe is little poor in agreements and sounds a littleboring because is always the same melody, but a good track. "When it was now" is a soft ballad keyboard and sax leaded. Is really a good song, with great jazz chords by Zawinul and a kind of string instrument closing the track. Really good, seems like a chineese jazz song! I don't know why, but this is how I feel. "Speechless" is really a sweet song, leaded by Jaco and Zawinul. really sweet and electric in aome moments. The rhythm is slow, but this not means that this is a boring song. Is really well played, as usual for Weather Report. Sometimes you can find some 3/4 time. "Dara Factor Two", the last song of the record, brings all newly to a vibrating rhythm. The song is bass played like a funky, the wonderfull chords by Zawinul accompaining Shorter melodies, all with solid foundation of Erskine and Thomas drums and percussions. Really a wonderful ending.

If you like jazz fusion you can't miss this band and Jaco Pastorius solo albums. You'll enjoy it.