Odyssey Of Iska (Tone Poet) vinyl

Wayne Shorter's Odyssey of Iska, originally released in 1970, is back, offering an exciting, exotic, percussion-based proto-world music gem. Building on the experimental sound of Super Nova, Odyssey of Iska features a different lineup, with Shorter playing both tenor and soprano saxophones, plus Dave Friedman on vibes and marimba, Gene Bertoncini on guitar, Ron Carter and Cecil McBee on bass and no less than three drummers: Billy Hart, Alphonse Mouzon, and Frank Cuomo. The album consists of mood-driven pieces, mostly with one-word titles: 'Wind,' 'Storm,' 'Calm,' 'Joy,' and 'De Pois do Amor, o Vazio (After Love, Emptiness).' 'Wind' and 'Calm' exude a serene atmosphere, while 'Storm' introduces a rock-influenced guitar in its intro before transitioning into a richer, more complex sound. Shorter's saxophone weaves through the compositions, complementing the evocative percussive textures created by the ensemble. Throughout, Shorter's thoughtful playing and the cohesive ensemble performance reflect the album's thematic intentions. While Odyssey of Iska remains a significant precursor to Weather Report and a nostalgic piece for jazz enthusiasts. For those exploring Shorter's discography, this album is an intriguing exploration of mood and texture.