Wayne Shorter Quartet February 2, 2007

Composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter has been one of the most original and influential figures in jazz for more than 40 years. After working with Maynard Ferguson and Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Shorter became known as “the idea man” behind Miles Davis’ legendary 1960s quintet—which also featured Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams—that changed the face of jazz. That spirit of innovation continued when Shorter launched the influential fusion band Weather Report in 1970.

Through his solo career and his work with Weather Report, Shorter helped to redefine the new hybrid of music that borrowed from many other forms, from jazz and rock to classical and electronic. The Oscar-winning soundtrack for the filmRound Midnight featured Shorter’s playing on both tenor and soprano saxophones. One of the most prolific recording artists in the genre, Shorter has won six Grammys, the latest for his 2005 release Beyond the Sound Barrier. Most recently, Shorter has performed in a quartet with pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Pattitucci, and drummer Brian Blade.

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