Shorter, Wayne: Night Dreamer (Vinyl LP)

1964 was a pivotal year in the musical life of Wayne Shorter. Early in the year the saxophonist was still a member of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, appearing on classic Blue Note albums like Free For All and Indestructible. That summer he would join the Miles Davis Quintet, cementing a line-up that became one of the seminal bands in jazz history.

But before that he stepped out confidently as a Blue Note artist when he entered Van Gelder Studio in April to record his masterful label debut as a leader Night Dreamer. The sublime 6-song set signaled the arrival of one of the most important new voices in jazz, a visionary composer and thrilling improviser with a wholly distinctive sound. Timeless Shorter originals including “Black Nile,” “Virgo,” “Armageddon,” and the extraordinary title track are given transcendent performances by a quintet featuring trumpeter Lee Morgan, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Reggie Workman, and drummer Elvin Jones.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analogue, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

1. Night Dreamer
   
2. Oriental Folk Song
   
3. Virgo
4. Black Nile
   
5. Charcoal Blues
   
6. Armageddon