The renowned Joe Zawinul is probably best known for assisting in the formation of the world famous Weather Report. He’s truly the dictionary definition of a “jazz legend”. Sadly, Joe lost his heroic battle with cancer in 2007. Sometimes it’s hard to review a CD when you already have preconceived notions and background information on an artist. After all, who wants to speak ill of a dead genius?
Recorded live a few months before his death, 75 highlights Joe Zawinul’s impressive musical chops. I think sometimes it’s hard to translate a live performance to a recorded format. The vibe and overall sound quality are difficult to replicate. For instance, I didn’t understand the fuss over Dave Matthews, until I heard him live, and then it all made sense. Sometimes you really do “have to be there” to get the true essence of a performers’ skills.
For example, I hear the grand xylophone riffs on the upbeat “Zansa II“ but I don’t feel a huge emotional connection that the live performance would probably deliver. “Cafe Andalusia” features buoyant bursts interspersed with moody yet moving instrumentation however, the chanting throughout the piece is probably more pleasing live, while playing in the background at home-it only serves as an annoyance.
The first track on 75 is “Introduction to Orient Express”, a moody, ethnic flavored piece that’s the salt to the pepper of “Orient Express”, a powerful standout on the CD. Suitably titled, it invokes images of a Far East moving train. The travels continue with the appropriately labeled “Madagascar”, which conjures up a race through the jungle with the hot wind brushing against your cheeks.
Other prominent pieces include “Fast City Two Lines“ which makes me feel caffeinated without the coffee (in a good way) with it’s frantic, frenzied pace. “In a Silent Way” is soothing and inspirational, a grown-up lullaby set to sound. “Scarlet Woman” features a great mélange of melodies, it’s at first dark and mysterious and then suddenly, but pleasantly perks up.
Funky, atmospheric, “jammy” and high-energy are all words that describe the diverse and layered work of Joe Zawinul. A true artist, one can only hope somewhere out there Joe is still performing.
March 27, 2009
