Schizophrenia cover

Schizophrenia

Released

Between 1964 and 1967, Wayne Shorter recorded eight albums for Blue Note, all of a stunningly high caliber. Schizophrenia — the final session of this era, before he began moving toward a more abstract, fusion-oriented sound — is perhaps the least celebrated. But it’s on par with any of his other efforts from this golden period. Leading a band of fellow post-bop masters (saxophonist and flutist James Spaulding, trombonist Curtis Fuller, pianist Herbe Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Joe Chambers), Shorter deploys his sextet like part chamber ensemble, part little big band, yielding fascinating pieces like the multipart title track and the darkly alluring “Go.” The album’s combination of compositional refinement and palpable improvisational risk make it one of the most satisfying efforts in the saxophonist’s robust ’60s catalog.

Hank Shteamer

Suggestions
American Tunes cover

American Tunes

Allen Toussaint
Gathering cover

Gathering

Geri Allen
Sorcerer cover

Sorcerer

Miles Davis
The Herbie Hancock Trio cover

The Herbie Hancock Trio

Herbie Hancock Trio
Nefertiti cover

Nefertiti

Miles Davis
The Opener cover

The Opener

Curtis Fuller
At Carnegie Hall cover

At Carnegie Hall

Thelonious Monk Quartet, John Coltrane
The Soothsayer cover

The Soothsayer

Wayne Shorter
Live at the It Club cover

Live at the It Club

Thelonious Monk
J.R. Monterose cover

J.R. Monterose

J. R. Monterose
Minor Move cover

Minor Move

Tina Brooks