Who doesn’t love a little jazz-fusion?
Weather Report has just released a DVD of their
performance at the Montreux in 1976. The founders,
keyboardist Joe Zawinul and sax innovator Wayne
Shorter, can be seen playing in their heyday;
a time when the jazz-fusion movement was in its
prime in the mid-70’s. The two began working
together in the Miles Davis band in the late sixties
on ‘In a Silent Way’ and ‘Bitches
Brew.’ After recording the two albums together
they formed their own project and this release
gives an insight to some of their prime stuff.
The DVD features eleven songs in your choice of
PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS Digital
Surround Sound.
This is a great concert and features all of the
musicians of the ’76 lineup of Weather Report.
It is widely agreed that while the band’s
albums are good it was their concerts where they
really shined. Finally, fans can bring back memories
with a legitimate release (in contrast to the
many bootlegs) of the talented musicians in the
setting where they were at their best. The camera
work is professional and pans to each member as
they perform their solos and share the stage in
turn. At times I would have preferred some wide
shots that showed the entire stage rather than
all the close shots that comprise almost all of
the DVD but you get used to it and the close-ups
give the viewer a firsthand experience with the
instrumentalists. The sound quality is terrific
and I don’t have any completes on the re-mastering
job. It is a quality release that offers good
video and great audio.
This release was enjoyable. Before this DVD I
had never seen Weather Report, as they were a
little before my time. It was a good experience
to put faces to the musicians and watch them perform
their edgy jazz. Musically, Weather Report will
not be for everyone and can be an acquired taste.
They are notorious for their experimental style
that pushed the envelope musically on what has
now become jazz-fusion. They are however, great
musicians and this DVD is a reminder of why they
managed to stay around for as long as they did.
Old fans will enjoy the trip down memory lane
and the new release will allow for contemporary
jazz fans to get into the greats of old. Check
out this Live at the Montreux, you won’t
be disappointed.
Reviewed by Ben Black |
