Weather Report – Sweetnighter

On Sweetnighter, jazz fusion supergroup Weather Report take a decidedly different approach from their first two outings. While still adventurous and free form, the music here is funkier and more groove based, with tracks like “Boogie Woogie Waltz” and “125th Street Congress” focusing on composition and structure rather than improvisation. The album features one of our favorite configurations of the group with the virtuosic “dual” rhythm section of bassists Miroslav Vitous and Andrew White, accompanied by drummers Eric Gravatt and Herschel Dwellingham, along with master Brazilian percussionist Don Um Romao, and bandleaders Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter. The talent and swagger in the room is simply off the charts on this record, and the group delivers on a work that is both experimental and accessible, while retaining that signature otherworldly Weather Report sound.

– Michael Friedman

Recommended- A1 Boogie Woogie Waltz, B1 125th Street Congress, B2 Will