WAYNE SHORTER,
1933-2023
Wayne Shorter, the influential saxophonist and composer whose work was at the forefront of the hard bop, fusion and world music movements, died Thursday (3/2) in Los Angeles. He was 89.
In the 1960s, after a run with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers put him on the map, Shorter was a key member of Miles Davis' so-called “second quintet” with bassist Ron Carter, drummer Tony Williams and pianist Herbie Hancock, remaining with the trumpeter as he shifted to electric instrumentation. Shorter simultaneously released albums as a leader for Blue Note—Juju, Speak No Evil, Adam’s Apple and others—including compositions that have become jazz standards, “Footprints” and “Speak No Evil” among them.
Post-Davis, Shorter and keyboardist Joe Zawinul formed Weather Report, one of the foremost jazz-rock bands of the 1970s and '80s. Shorter won the first of 12 Grammy Awards for Weather Report’s 1979 album 8:30. Another of those Grammys was a Lifetime Achievement award received in 2015.
Shorter created a modern fusion of Brazilian music and jazz with Milton Nascimento for Native Dancer, the 1975 album that would influence such artists as bassist Esperanza Spaulding.
As a sideman, he appeared on 10 Joni Mitchell albums, beginning in 1977, and recorded the landmark sax solo on Steely Dan’s “Aja.” He also collaborated with Carlos Santana.
Shorter recorded sporadically in the 1990s but returned in 2001 with his Footprints Quartet, which was one of the top touring acts in jazz for more than a decade.
His final album was 2018’s Grammy-winning Emanon, which coincided with his retirement from music, the result of ill health.
He received the Polar Music Prize in 2017 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2018.
Throughout his career, Shorter relied on Buddhist teachings for his approach to composing and performing.
It has been a deeply sad morning to learn that my brother and fellow explorer of the Inner and Outer Universe @Wayne_Shorter has left town. The Maestro was a visionary, a great composer, and a friend with whom I shared a love for the Eternal Now.
— Charles Lloyd (@CharlesLloydSax) March 2, 2023
Barche Lamsel pic.twitter.com/cjxB6OSnJR
RIP Wayne: Another giant leaves us. @Wayne_Shorter pic.twitter.com/bs797AlIxJ
— John Mclaughlin (@jmcl_gtr) March 2, 2023
Rest In Peace 🕊 thank you elder Wayne Shorter pic.twitter.com/hhXnFPGYpJ
— Immanuel Wilkins (@WilkinsImmanuel) March 2, 2023
Wayne Shorter, my best friend, left us with courage in his heart, love and compassion for all, and a seeking spirit for the eternal future. He was ready for his rebirth. As it is with every human being, he is irreplaceable . . . pic.twitter.com/MRVfXhaz8T
— Herbie Hancock (@herbiehancock) March 2, 2023
The Great legendary
— Jack DeJohnette (@DeJohnetteMusic) March 2, 2023
Wayne Shorter passed today.
He has given us such a treasure trove of recordings of his compositions and improvisations! I feel so blessed to have been able to share some amazing creative experiences with him. pic.twitter.com/gSo2CIw2Ao
Rest in peace to longtime Joni friend and collaborator Wayne Shorter. A visionary musician and composer, his contributions to the world of music will always be remembered.
— Joni Mitchell (@jonimitchell) March 2, 2023
Photo by Lester Cohen pic.twitter.com/zHXuXayTWp
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