Alegria
Following the release of the critically acclaimedFootprints Live!, this CD is saxophonist/composer Wayne Shorter's first studio recording as a leader since the Grammy-winning 1994 release,High Life. Shorter is joined by pianistsDanilo PerezandBrad Mehldau, bassistJohn Patitucci, drummers Terri Lyne Carrington andBrian Blade, and percussionistAlex Acuna. Backed by a superb woodwind and brass ensemble, this project offers a comprehensive and sophisticated presentation of Shorter's music, from the Andalusian airs on "Vendiendo Alegria" by Antonio Molina to a reincarnation of "Capricorn II" from his mid-'60sMiles Davisdays. Shorter's soprano and tenor playing is his most expressive in years, and producer Robert Sadin (who worked onHerbie Hancock'sGershwin's Worldand Kathleen Battle'sSo Many Stars) has provided Shorter with his most poignant sonic setting on record.--Eugene Holley, Jr.