The jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter died this morning at age 89. His compositions and virtuosity propelled the evolution of jazz for six decades. He performed with other jazz giants like Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Herbie Hancock, and Weather Report. If you aren’t familiar with his jazz — which he defined as another way to say “I dare you” — you probably have heard some of his fiery side licks on songs by Joni Mitchell, Carlos Santana, and Steely Dan.
One of my favorites is ““Ponta de Areia” from his 1974 “Native Dancer” album. It features Wayne on soprano sax and Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento on vocals. I experienced some of the most joyous highs of my salad days ambling down a country road humming the theme from this song. If it creates an earworm for you, it will be a sweet one.
Read his NYT obit for many other names and links to songs. NPR’s Here & Now did an interview with Michelle Mercer, author of Footprints: The Life and Work of Wayne Shorter. David A. Graham posted an insightful tribute in The Atlantic.
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