Remembering Weather Report

Dive into the rich musical legacy of Miroslav Vitous with "Remembering Weather Report," a captivating album released in 2009 on ECM Records. This 47-minute journey features six intricate tracks that pay homage to the early, acoustic roots of the iconic jazz fusion band Weather Report, which Vitous co-founded in the early 1970s alongside Wayne Shorter. The album eschews the electric grooves that later defined Weather Report, instead focusing on the free-spirited, improvisational essence that characterized the band's formative years.

The tracklist includes "Variations On W. Shorter," a nod to the legendary saxophonist and Vitous's longtime collaborator, and "Variations On Lonely Woman," a reinterpretation of the classic Ornette Coleman piece. "Semina (In 3 Parts)" showcases the group's penchant for complex, multi-part compositions, while "Surfing With Michel" and "When Dvorák Meets Miles" blend classical influences with jazz sensibilities. The album concludes with "Blues Report," a soulful exploration of the blues tradition.

"Remembering Weather Report" is a testament to Miroslav Vitous's enduring influence on jazz and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre. With its intricate compositions and virtuosic performances, this album is a essential listen for any jazz enthusiast.