LIVE AT MONTREUX 1976

I was a bit reluctant to invest into this DVD. My reason is simple. I saw the band perform around 1980 in Cologne, Germany. That show for me represented a big disappointment, a waste of effort (in getting there and back home), money and a good night's sleep. Little I anticipated then that WR were about to release a string of weak and rather forgettable material in the early 80's that eventually led to the ban to - disband.

But this is 1976 and Montreux and the prestige of the venue hopefully compels. Also, that around this time WR were at their peak, so fingers crossed, I got the DVD. Well, even if it doesn't please I am not about to endure the associated inconveniences of attending a live show.

I am happy to say that my concerns were premature. Without much ado, it is indeed a fine performance of the band at it's best. Even the often sidelined co-leader, Wayne Shorter gets more room to impress when compared with his short soundscapes on the band's studio material.

For 1976, both the audio and the video qualities are surprisingly good. (Ah, when do we get a decent quality DVD of Genesis "Seconds Out" of the same year?)

On the strength of this excellent concert, I am now more inclined to check out other, pre-1980 live material of Weather Report. This one is highly recommended.