| Jazz |
Here is an album that will leave no one indifferent, especially if you’re eager to savor Wayne Shorter’s work with a Latin twist. Let us immediately reassure the purists—there is no sacrilege here. Wayne Shorter himself was, after all, one of the most pivotal members of Weather Report in his time. What amused me most is the atmosphere, which feels strikingly close to the Weather Report era, though the presence of a synthesizer firmly grounds us in the 21st century.
You’ve likely already heard of Dan Moretti, a prolific artist who has produced numerous albums and shared the stage with an impressive array of luminaries, including Sweets Edison, Nat Adderley, James Moody, Jimmy Cobb, Ernie Watts, Paquito D’Rivera, Mike Stern, Mark Egan, Dave Liebman, Marvin Stamm, Wayne Henderson, Bernard Purdie, Omar Hakim, Nile Rodgers, Ben E. King, Solomon Burke, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Little Anthony and the Imperials, George Duke, Cornell Dupree, Jerry Jemmott, Les McCann, Buddy Williams, Dr. John, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Steve Khan, Stevie Nicks, Steve Winwood, Robert Plant, and Kid Rock.
Many of these artists are regular features on Bayou Blue Radio, and what we particularly cherish about this album is its artistry. While the cover art invites you to revel in Brazilian rhythms, the content is at once playful, inspiring, and profoundly serious. The intent here is not to betray Wayne Shorter’s works but to offer listeners a fresh interpretation—a program tailor-made for major festivals. Each track has been reimagined in the deepest essence of the original compositions. It’s as though the spirit of Wayne Shorter haunts this work, a continuation of his dreams brought to life.
When music becomes art, we find ourselves holding our breath, forgetting that this is a live album, and simply letting ourselves be carried away from one track to the next. Dan Moretti’s deep appreciation for both Latin rhythms and the firmly rooted works of Wayne Shorter is palpable. Blend these elements together, and you get this remarkable album. It’s hardly surprising, considering the extraordinary lineup of musicians: bassist Oscar Santiago, percussionist Ernesto Diaz, drummer Steve Langone, and the exceptional pianist Maxim Lubarsky. As I often say, tribute albums are not typically my cup of tea, but here, thanks to Dan Moretti’s talent, imagination, and the remarkable quality of the performances, the arrangements are nothing short of captivating, marked by rare intelligence and artistry.
I particularly recommend the track Witch Hunt, undoubtedly the piece where the artist takes the greatest liberties.
To achieve such mastery over Wayne Shorter’s work that one almost forgets the original is no small feat. Each musician here seems to have discovered a vibrant thread to share, filling the performance with sheer joy—perhaps it’s the magical effect of the live setting. Suddenly, I’m reminded of Smoke by Paul Auster; while it might seem unrelated, it evokes a similar jazz club atmosphere conjured purely from the author’s imagination. Here, we live the same experience—the essence of Wayne Shorter’s work intertwined with the vividly reimagined interpretations emerging from Dan Moretti’s mind.
Though I know that only relentless effort and boundless dedication can achieve such craftsmanship, one cannot help but be in awe of this album. I’ve listened to it countless times—on headphones, through studio monitors—and adding it to the list of “essential albums” feels like an undeniable necessity.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, December 8th 2024
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