SWEETNIGHTER

WHOA BABY! As some of you may have already guessed, I severely enjoy this album. Though WR isn't all about rock, they're sure about being progressive and being damned good at it. Rising from the ashes of the post-bop era of the 1960s, WR leadmen Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter were instrumental in working with Miles Davis on his early adventures into rock and what would come to be known as fusion. WR's first two albums, the self-titled and I Sing the Body Electric, see WR simultaneously pushing jazz and rock to the limits while still trying to find a voice and a sense of unity for the band. Sweetnighter, released in 1973, sees it all come together. It is here that Zawinul finds his obsession with the groove, and throws it into the rock and jazz mix. The 13 minute Boogie Woogie Waltz is without a doubt the highlight of the album. Its pulsing 3/4 groove is interlaced with drum and bass lines written in 4/4, and the band moves easily between the two time signatures. Zawinul's signature end-of-the-song theme is first used here, which comes in at about 8:45. This format, improv/groove leading to a melody/theme, would be employed on most of their albums leading up to Jaco Pastorius' introduction to the band. Even though Miroslav Vitous departed from the band after this album, this album sees the band realizing their true creative potential. Highly recommended! If you enjoy this album, also check out Mysterious Traveller.