Tale Spinnin'

I'm a huge Weather Report fan and Jazz-Fusion is currently my passion. I've listened thoroughly and fully to all of the best: Miles, Herbie, Return to Forever, Mahavishnu, and all of the lessers as well. I listened to Weather Report in the middle of listening to all of those other great artists' records, and I loved them but I didn't think they were my favorite. Not until I explored Tale Spinnin'. It took me a few months to give it a full listen after I bought it, but after doing so, I am a changed musician and I have a new favorite album. This is an absolute masterpiece. Man in the Green Shirt sets the tone for the album perfectly: it appeals to my musician's mind with its complex voicings and intriguing transitions, and to my heart with its perfectly complementary funky bass lines and keyboard licks. Freezing Fire furthers this feeling, while Five Short Stories, Badia, and Lusitanos show a more soothing, subtler side. Then it all comes together in Between the Tights. This might be the best song I have ever heard. EVER. It incorporates the funky jazz feelings from the first two songs with the passionate subtle feelings of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th tracks perfectly. And that's all I'm gonna say because I don't want to ruin the beautiful experience of hearing this song for oneself and appreciating it on one's own terms. Get this album.

Amazing that the experimentation represented in this 30+ year-old offering from fusion pioneers Weather Report sounds at home here today in the 21st century. The tracks are a mixed bag, ranging from light funk-inspired riffing to ethereal environmental musings. It is a good first exposure that should help neophyte listeners determine what other works from this group to investigate. Fans of Shorter will find him past his most electric highpoint, far from the mid and late 60s Miles Davis years, but still exploring new musical territory and collaborating in the finest traditions of jazz, with new session mates who create something greater than the sum of its parts.