SPEAK NO EVIL

Wayne Shorter is loved on these Archives for his work on "In A Silent Way" and with Weather Report. Other than that, however, his only solo output that gets any attention here is his modal/post-bop era and style "Speak No Evil". This is, after all, the solo work of his considered the finest by jazz aficionados, and comparable in quality and position to Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage". Speaking of which, Herbie lays down some of his piano magic on this record. In the end, while not even as prog related as "Time Out" and "Time Further Out" from Brubeck and friends, or "Maiden Voyage" in its special sense, "Speak No Evil" is a masterpiece, and I will review it as such. So Shorter, ever the great composer, leads his backing band well, as he plays his tenor sax with smooth majesty. Herbie lays down some beautiful piano, as is his MO, rounding out the sound; think of an even better take on the interplay between McCoy Tyner's piano and Trane's saxes on "My Favorite Things". The rhythm section is just wonderful at backing this mix of soloists. The whole album is a relaxing trip that makes you forget about evil, forget about everything ill and stressful. Highly recommended to jazz fans, and an interesting listen for any other interested listeners.