With its postmodern vibe and spirit of originality, the recent Blue
Note Records release from the Wayne Shorter Quartet presents a delightful package of recordings from
the group's 2011 European tour. Rounding out the collection titled "Without A Net:" is an
impressive 23 minute collaboration with The Imani Winds, which was
recorded live at The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
The assemblage runs the gamut from the unexpectedly daring, to traditional with a twist, as evidenced in 'Flying Down to Rio.' The quartet boasts Wayne Shorter sax, Danilo Perez on keys, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, who are all well known musical vanguards in their own right and lend "Without A Net" an appropriate mix of panache, style and substance.
The Wayne Shorter Quartet already has a major hit on its hands, and the group has proven that life can be sweet when you go out on a limb without being encumbered by the proverbial "net."
R. Todd Jones for JazzMusicChart.com
