For the present LP Wayne Shorter took a chance with five compositions by Milton Nascimento, wrote three pieces himself, and one was contributed by Herbie Hancock. Apart from Herbie Hancock and Airto Moreira, the musicians were relatively unknown, yet they were all capable of integrating themselves and making a personal contribution. NATIVE DANCER was Shorter's first collaboration with Brazilian superstar Milton Nascimento, and helped introduce Nascimento to American audiences. Personnel: Wayne Shorter (soprano & tenor saxophones); Milton Nascimento (vocals); Herbie Hancock, Airto Moreira, Dave McDaniel, Roberto Silva, Wagner Tiso, Jay Graydon, Dave Amaro. Recorded at Village Recorders, Los Angeles, California on September 12, 1974. Includes liner notes by Bill Milkowski. Digitally remastered by Debra Parkinson (CBS Records Studio, New York). This is part of the Columbia Contemporary Jazz Masters series. This album is a rare gem. A lush Brazilian-jazz hybrid, it was released in the midst of Wayne Shorter's tenure with Weather Report, after an astounding run of inventive post-bop releases for the Blue Note label in the '60s. Five of the nine tracks were written by Milton Nascimento, and NATIVE DANCER's success on its release in 1975 served to introduce this fine Brazilian singer/composer to an American audience. The aptness of the pairing of these two musicians is readily apparent on a tune such as "Tarde," where Nascimento's vocal phrasing mirrors Shorter's saxophone. The ensemble is equally inspired, with Herbie Hancock as adept at the propulsive funkiness of "Beauty and the Beast" as the luxurious reveries of "Miracle of the Fishes." One of several essential titles by Wayne Shorter, NATIVE DANCER offers constant and layered delights from start to finish. Tracklist A1 Ponta De Areia A2 Beauty And The Beast A3 Tarde A4 Miracle Of The Fishes B1 Diana B2 From The Lonely Afternoons B3 Ana Maria B4 Lilia B5 Joanna's Theme *Audio and/or tracklist may vary slightly from the vinyl version. Label: SPEAKERS CORNER Rel. Date: 02/05/2016 UPC: 4260019715036
