1964 was a momentous year in the musical life ofWayne Shorter. At the start of the year the saxophonist was still a member ofArt Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, appearing on classic Blue Note albums likeFree for AllandIndestructible. Shorter made his own auspicious label debut that spring withNight Dreamerand that summer he joined theMiles Davis Quintetcementing a line-up that would become one of the seminal bands in jazz history. When he returned to the studio for Blue Note in August it was in the company of three musicians with strong ties toJohn Coltrane: pianistMcCoy Tyner, bassistReggie Workman, and drummerElvin Jones. The resulting albumJuJuis a marvel in Shorters formidable discography which presents six of his evocative original compositions including the churning title track, the mesmerizing House of Jade, and the brightly swinging Yes Or No.

Early in his career as a leader, Shorter was criticized as a mere acolyte ofJohn Coltrane, and his use ofColtrane‘s rhythm section on his first two Blue Note albums only bolstered that criticism. The truth is, though, thatElvin Jones,Reggie Workman, andMcCoy Tynerwere the perfect musicians to back Shorter.Jones‘ playing at the time was almost otherworldly. He seemed to channel the music through him when improvising and emit the perfect structure to hold it together.Workmantoo seemed to almost instinctively understand how to embellish Shorter’s compositions.McCoy Tyner‘s role as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time was played here as well, and his light touch and beautiful, joyful improvisations would make him a much better match for Shorter thanHerbie Hancockwould later prove to be. What really shines on JuJu is the songwriting. From the African-influenced title track (with its short, hypnotic, repetitive phrases) to the mesmerizing interplay betweenTynerand Shorter on “Mahjong,” the album (which is all originals) blooms with ideas, pulling in a world of influences and releasing them again as a series of stunning, complete vision. (via Blue Note)

Label: Blue Note, UMe
Series: Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, 180 Gram
Country: Worldwide
Reissued: 2024 / Original Release: 1965
Genre: Jazz
Style: Hard Bop

File under: Blue Note Records