Wayne Shorter, 1933-2023
We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of the great saxophonist, composer, and NEA Jazz Master Wayne Shorter, who died on Thursday, March 2nd in Los Angeles at the age of 89.
He was a visionary, a pioneer, a musical soothsayer that was a legend among legends. From his time with Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers to Miles Davis’ 2nd Great Quintet, his own timeless recordings as a leader and his work with the jazz-fusion supergroup Weather Report and beyond, Wayne Shorter was one of the greatest composers and musicians to ever have walked this earth.
There are many great articles that have been written recently and over the last several days that go into great depth on Wayne Shorter’s life and accomplishments. Instead of reiterating that information (that others have already done so well), I recommend checking out these insight articles:
NY Times: Wayne Shorter, Innovator During an Era of Change in Jazz, Dies at 89
NY Times: Wayne Shorter, a Jazz Hero Whose Goal Was ‘to Fear Nothing’
NPR: Wayne Shorter, sage of the saxophone, dies at 89
WBGO: WBGO celebrates Wayne Shorter, the ‘Newark Flash’
Rolling Stone: Wayne Shorter, Jazz Legend Who Collaborated With Miles Davis and Joni Mitchell, Dead at 89
SFJAZZ ‘On The Corner’: Saluting One of the Greats: Wayne Shorter
Also, check out Gilles Peterson’s March 04, 2023 Wayne Shorter Tribute on BBC 6.
With that being said, below is a playlist featuring 40 essential tracks featuring Wayne Shorter compositions from a number of different recordings, eras, and bands he played in. The list could have easily been twice as long, however this hopefully will also serve as a good “jumping off” point for anyone interested in diving into his incredible discography.
BeatCaffeine’s Essential Wayne Shorter Tracks
