Search - Weather Report :: This Is This

The problem with this disc . . .

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 09/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

". . . is that it's almost impossible to encounter it objectively. That is, we approach it with all kind of expectations, none of which is likely to be met. Thus, the normal, and altogether understandably typical response, is a sort of shell-shocked denial--i.e., what the heck is going on here?



I admit, that was my first reaction.



For example (as other reviewers have pointed out), where's Wayne? Hardly present. How can you just sideline one of the most important composers/saxmen in the history of jazz? How come he's got no compositions? How come his sax is nearly non-existent (although it sneaks in, e.g., rather righteously, one must admit, on "I'll Never Forget You"--for me, a genuinely heartfelt and beautiful song--"Jungle Stuff, Part I," and a brief but brilliant foray on "Man With The Copper Fingers")?



The latter two, in my humble opinion, are entirely on board with classic Weather Report songs. Indeed, this whole disc fairly reeks of authentic WR vibes, even if it doesn't quite rise to the height of classic recordings such as Mysterious Traveler, Heavy Weather, and Black Market.



It's entirely understandable that reviewers typically relegate this disc to the dustbin of WR outings, in face of the impossibly high standards set by the greatest the bands' greatest recordings and the disconcertingly problematic features contained herein. But I'm coming to the opinion--reluctantly, it must be admitted, given my initial huge disappointment--that this disc is a whole lot better than it's generally given credit for being.



In fact, I'm almost tempted to give it a full five stars, as crazy as that might seem: I'm so taken by its rare, hypnotic, crazy groove.



Moreover, it's just fun, once you get rid of the overblown expectations.



Listen: it's OK to like--even love--this odd disc; I do, and I'm a top Amazon jazz reviewer. I'm giving you permission to go ahead and admit that you really dig this disc despite its weirdness and departure from WR norms.



OK? ****1/2, maybe even *****."

No no no

M. Detko | Scarborough, Ontario Canada | 09/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wayne and Zawinul both wanted to end WR because they wanted to do solo work and WR took up lots of their time. Especially Zawinul, who usually had the most work putting together the material. This was a mutual finish to a beautiful legacy, and there are one or two outstanding cuts on this album. You may make it your last WR album, but don't pass it over."

NEW 2007 JAPAN REMASTER(S) AVAILABLE

BOB | LOS ANGELES, CA | 09/30/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"In 2007, the main 16 Weather Report Columbia titles were re-released in Japan with new DSD remastering in mini-sleeve format. From an audio quality standpoint, the DSD versions now supercede all the earlier standard-CD-audio U.S. releases (some of the WR catalog are available as SACD's).



Additionally, the Japan editions feature a welcome 2CD restoration of "8:30" to the original 13-track double-LP album configuration, with the proper inclusion of "Scarlet Woman", which had been edited off all domestic editions to allow for a cheaper, single-disc release.



So far, the WR DSD catalog is only available in mini-sleeve format, and all `sleeves are limited edition. If it is your desire to own the latest/greatest audio, then don't delay in picking these up, although it is always possible that Sony Japan will release them again as less expensive jewel case editions somewhere down the road. However, for the true WR fan and vinyl nut, it's great to have the wonderful mini-LP replicas of the original LP covers!



I wanted to provide links for each 2007 `sleeve edition, but unfortunately, Amazon only allows 10 per review. But, by linking to the 2007 DSD remaster of the first Weather Report album, you should be able to use the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" tool to locate the rest of the 2007 DSD titles (just make sure you verify the release date and Product Description).



Also, of note: In this same release were updated DSD remasters of the following WR-member solo albums, also as mini-sleeves:



Jaco Pastorius (1st album)

Wayne Shorter "Native Dancer"

Joe Zawinul "Di-a-lects"



And, the two Havana Jam albums, both where WR appeared live, also as `sleeves:



Havana Jam 1

Havana Jam 2



And, FINALLY: 2007 witnessed John McLaughlin finally relenting to release the full Trio Of Doom studio & live recordings, the awesome line-up of McLaughlin, Pastorius and Tony Williams, which could only be found previously on the Havana Jam albums, albeit in edited form.



WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?



Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.



Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 135MM X 135MM cardboard precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, anything contained in the original LP, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and/or die cuts, are precisely replicated and included. An English-language lyric sheet is always included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.



Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2/K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.



Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "obi" ("oh-bee"), a removable Japan-language promotional strip. The obi lists the Japan street date of that particular release, the catalog number, the mastering info, and often the original album's release date. Bonus tracks are only listed on the obi, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork. The obi's are collectable, and should not be discarded.



All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common (again, not always). The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake mini-sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs."