NEW 2007 JAPAN REMASTER(S) AVAILABLE
From an audio quality standpoint, the DSD versions now supercede all the earlier standard-CD-audio U.
In 2007, the main 16 Weather Report Columbia titles were re-released in Japan with new DSD remastering in mini-sleeve format. S. releases (some of the WR catalog are available as SACD's).
Additionally, the Japan editions feature a welcome 2CD restoration of "8:30" to the original 13-track double-LP album configuration, with the proper inclusion of "Scarlet Woman", which had been edited off all domestic editions to allow for a cheaper, single-disc release.
So far, the WR DSD catalog is only available in mini-sleeve format, and all `sleeves are limited edition. If it is your desire to own the latest/greatest audio, then don't delay in picking these up, although it is always possible that Sony Japan will release them again as less expensive jewel case editions somewhere down the road. However, for the true WR fan and vinyl nut, it's great to have the wonderful mini-LP replicas of the original LP covers!
I wanted to provide links for each 2007 `sleeve edition, but unfortunately, Amazon only allows 10 per review. But, by linking to the 2007 DSD remaster of the first Weather Report album, you should be able to use the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" tool to locate the rest of the 2007 DSD titles (just make sure you verify the release date and Product Description).
Also, of note: In this same release were updated DSD remasters of the following WR-member solo albums, also as mini-sleeves:
Jaco Pastorius (1st album)
Wayne Shorter "Native Dancer"
Joe Zawinul "Di-a-lects"
And, the two Havana Jam albums, both where WR appeared live, also as `sleeves:
Havana Jam 1
Havana Jam 2
And, FINALLY: 2007 witnessed John McLaughlin finally relenting to release the full Trio Of Doom studio & live recordings, the awesome line-up of McLaughlin, Pastorius and Tony Williams, which could only be found previously on the Havana Jam albums, albeit in edited form.
WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?
Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.
Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 13. 5MM X 13. 5MM cardboard-sleeve, precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, everything else packaged with the original LP is precisely replicated and included, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and die cuts. An English-language lyric sheet is also included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.
Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have Japan-dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2 or K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.
Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "OBI" ("oh-bee"), a Japan-language promotional strip. The OBI often also lists the original album's release date, the Japan street date of that particular disc, the catalog number, and mastering info. Bonus tracks are always only listed on the OBI, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork.
The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake copies of Japan `sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.
Also, there are older Japan mini-sleeve releases that have been supplanted with newer ones, usually with updated audio (such as JVC-Japan replacing older K2-mastered titles with new K2HD mastered releases).
All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common with some of the Japanese companies (but, again, not always). Mini-sleeve collecting can get expensive quickly, so, if you're a novice, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced `sleeve collector!.
THE DEFINITIVE AUDIO VERSION
From an audio quality standpoint, the DSD versions now supercede all the earlier standard-CD-audio U.
In 2007, the main 16 Weather Report Columbia titles were re-released in Japan with new DSD remastering in mini-sleeve format. S. releases (some of the WR catalog are available as SACD's).
Additionally, the Japan editions feature a welcome 2CD restoration of "8:30" to the original 13-track double-LP album configuration, with the proper inclusion of "Scarlet Woman", which had been edited off all domestic editions to allow for a cheaper, single-disc release.
So far, the WR DSD catalog is only available in mini-sleeve format, and all `sleeves are limited edition. If it is your desire to own the latest/greatest audio, then don't delay in picking these up, although it is always possible that Sony Japan will release them again as less expensive jewel case editions somewhere down the road. However, for the true WR fan and vinyl nut, it's great to have the wonderful mini-LP replicas of the original LP covers!
I wanted to provide links for each 2007 `sleeve edition, but unfortunately, Amazon only allows 10 per review. But, by linking to the 2007 DSD remaster of the first Weather Report album, you should be able to use the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" tool to locate the rest of the 2007 DSD titles (just make sure you verify the release date and Product Description).
Also, of note: In this same release were updated DSD remasters of the following WR-member solo albums, also as mini-sleeves:
Jaco Pastorius (1st album)
Wayne Shorter "Native Dancer"
Joe Zawinul "Di-a-lects"
And, the two Havana Jam albums, both where WR appeared live, also as `sleeves:
Havana Jam 1
Havana Jam 2
And, FINALLY: 2007 witnessed John McLaughlin finally relenting to release the full Trio Of Doom studio & live recordings, the awesome line-up of McLaughlin, Pastorius and Tony Williams, which could only be found previously on the Havana Jam albums, albeit in edited form.
WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?
Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.
Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 13. 5MM X 13. 5MM cardboard-sleeve, precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, everything else packaged with the original LP is precisely replicated and included, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and die cuts. An English-language lyric sheet is also included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.
Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have Japan-dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2 or K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.
Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "OBI" ("oh-bee"), a Japan-language promotional strip. The OBI often also lists the original album's release date, the Japan street date of that particular disc, the catalog number, and mastering info. Bonus tracks are always only listed on the OBI, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork.
The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake copies of Japan `sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.
Also, there are older Japan mini-sleeve releases that have been supplanted with newer ones, usually with updated audio (such as JVC-Japan replacing older K2-mastered titles with new K2HD mastered releases).
All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common with some of the Japanese companies (but, again, not always). Mini-sleeve collecting can get expensive quickly, so, if you're a novice, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced `sleeve collector!.
The most underrated Weather Report recording
Every time this group is mentioned the obvious choices are brought up. For me, the most underrated Weather Report recording. "Heavy Weather", "8:30", "Black Market', etc.
This recording, for me, is right up there with those. The playing is no less imspired, the world influences are legitimate and abundant. A very inventive and creative use of vocals. In truth I wish Pat Metheny, one of my favorite musicians had employed such interesting vocal effects in some of his group recordings.
This is as strong a line-up as any in the group history. You have Victor Bailey, Omar Hakim, Mino Cinelu, Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter and guest vocalists in ensemble passages with interesting harmonies.
"Hot Cargo" is an interesting, inventive, high energy piece, with those interesting, quirky vocal passages punctuated by driving percussion, interesting time signatures, Joe Zawinul's very interesting keyboards and Wayne Shorter in unison passages. This a very African feel to it. A unique time of feel. We're not talking in the typical percussive "Tin Tin Deo" kind of way. The vocals are much like tribal chants. At the same time this piece is very futuristic/progressive. Frankly as good as anything on
"Corner Pocket" - Has some strong Tenor Sax work by Wayne Shorter and driving beat propelled by Hakim and Cinelu. There are some very nice textures and embellishments laid down by Joe Zawinul on this. It cooks and it's funky. It makes you want to dance as well. All done in a unique way.
"Face on the Bathroom Floor" - is a melancholy ballad featuring atmospheric synths from Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter playing the melody in that unique slightly bitter way on soprano. It flows along and is a beautiful piece.
"Confians" - This one is totally unique for Weather Report and done absolutely beautifully. It features Mino Cinelu singing in a bit of a folk song. It's like a cool breeze off the ocean. A very good arrangment and very good vocal harmonies on the chorus. A very nice soprano solo by Wayne Shorter as they bring the piece home.
"Pearls on the Half Shell" has got a strong West Indies feel mixed in with a very good groove. It's a good time piece. Accessible but also interesting and fun.
"Ice Pick Willy" is a the show stopper. Interesting vocal harmonies and effects. The vocals work seamlessly with the instrumental portion and back again. Outstanding drumming and percussion. Good strong accents and they hit those accents hard. In this one Joe's electric piano approach conjures some Herbie Hancock while his synth approach which is often in unison with Wayne's tenor sounds like a section. There's that African call and response. This bears repeated listening. As good a piece as the group has ever done.
This recording is rhythmically interesting. Much moreso than some of their earliest recording which, to my ears, stayed within to much of the same mid-tempo paces with very few exception. Over time things opened up a bit.
This recording is one of their best. A fine example of the amalgamation of world influences, funk and jazz with lots' of fun mixed in.
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Worth it?
If you want some pretty cool music, played with a funky, laid back groove, I don't think you can go far wrong. If you come to this album wanting the same, wonderfully eccentric, invention of early WR (and the great Jaco in particular) you will probably be disappointed. There are 4 or 5 WR albums I would grab first from the burning house, but I'm very fond of Sportin Life. Yes, Shorter generally takes the 'less is more' approach to extremes, but his solo on the beautiful Confians is gorgeous. Loved Marvin, love the fact that WR let 'What's going on' breath. I often wonder what the point of cover versions is, but they show a new angle. Corner Pocket is a frisky opener, Indescretions is a creeper which has grown on me over the years, Hot Cargo not one of my favourites , Pearl is a great groove and tune, Face on the Bathroom Floor is an interesting Shorter excercise, and Ice Pick Willy a joyous larf. Enough? Enough! Give it a chance. .
Weather Report Hit It In The Corner Pocket!
From the synclaviar bursts opening the festive groove opener of 'Corner Pocket' you already know your getting a great set of tunes. The Zawinul Shorter fusion carnival is back in town and is running on high octane on this 1985 date,ending up as the next to last Weather Report album ever made. The great part is the "Hot Cargo","Face The Bareoom Floor" and "Ice Pick Willey" all have the same feel and vibrance. "Confians" does too only it's one of only two Weather Report songs with vocals on it,heard here in Spanish I believe.
The song that stands out to me is "What's Going On"-Marvin Gaye's deserved classic that's oft covered by now. But Weather Report's music actually addresses the issues that Marvin's lyircs spoke about,only in the context of this instrumental cover expressing the bands musical virtues of an all world electronic fusion sound. Wayne Shorter's expressive solo backed by the ominous synth work of Zawinul conveys the need for beauty in the tortured,urban nightmare the original song depicts-it's perhapes the best version of the song. So if it can be found I highly recommend 'Sportin' Life' to any Weather Report fan-the songs are full of life and excitment and the pace quickens too often to mention.
You can see a complete list of all Weather Report discography, or go back to the Weather Report tabs
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