Schizophrenia cover

Schizophrenia

Released

Between 1964 and 1967, Wayne Shorter recorded eight albums for Blue Note, all of a stunningly high caliber. Schizophrenia — the final session of this era, before he began moving toward a more abstract, fusion-oriented sound — is perhaps the least celebrated. But it’s on par with any of his other efforts from this golden period. Leading a band of fellow post-bop masters (saxophonist and flutist James Spaulding, trombonist Curtis Fuller, pianist Herbe Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Joe Chambers), Shorter deploys his sextet like part chamber ensemble, part little big band, yielding fascinating pieces like the multipart title track and the darkly alluring “Go.” The album’s combination of compositional refinement and palpable improvisational risk make it one of the most satisfying efforts in the saxophonist’s robust ’60s catalog.

Hank Shteamer

Suggestions
In These Times cover

In These Times

Makaya McCraven
Expansions cover

Expansions

McCoy Tyner
Fort Yawuh cover

Fort Yawuh

Keith Jarrett
 Live at the Detroit Jazz Festival cover

Live at the Detroit Jazz Festival

Esperanza Spalding, Leo Genovese, Wayne Shorter, Terri Lyne Carrington
Perpetual Void cover

Perpetual Void

Chris Tordini, Marta Sánchez, Savannah Harris
Black Market cover

Black Market

Weather Report