Track Listing

1. Prince Of Darkness
2. Vonetta
3. Limbo
4. Masqualero
5. Pee Wee
6. Sorcerer

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #108343 in Music
• Released on: 1998-10-26
• Number of discs: 1

CD Description
By the time Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, RonCarter and Tony Williams recorded SORCERER in 1967, they were the most acclaimed ensemble in all of jazz. The Miles Davis Quintet had by this time perfected an intuitive style of collective improvisation that distilled the revolutionary changes of '60s jazz, but without rejecting elements of the mainstream tradition. In fact the Quintet's approach to melody, harmony and rhythm on SORCERER and NEFERTITI formed the basis for many of the Marsalis Brothers' popular recording projects of the 1980s.
Wayne Shorter's unique style of voice-leading is showcased on four compositions. "Prince Of Darkness" presents an airborne theme over a swinging, restless pulse, as Carter and (especially) Williams answer Shorter's every parry and thrust with lightning and thunder of their own. On his freely inflected "Masqualero", Shorter fragments the Iberian theme between the horns and Hancock's dark, impressionistic chords; the rhythm is crisp and purposeful one second, nebulous and fanciful the next, inspiring a particularly torrid Davis solo. On "Limbo" Shorter and Davis navigate adelightfully circuitous melody as Williams offers cracklingrejoinders, while "Vonetta" is a stately ballad over an irregular martial pulse.
You can hear pianist Hancock revelling in the sound of discovery throughout SORCERER and his long, boppish theme and variations on the classic title tune inspires fervent conversations between Davis and Shorter. SORCERER is perfection from start to finish.

Customer Reviews

Subtle,cerebral soundscapes and Cicely. 4 and a half stars.
Sorcerer is the third studio recording of "second great quintet" (Wayne Shorter - sax, Herbie Hancock piano, Ron Carter bs, Tony Williams drums) after Esp and Miles Smiles. This recording is least popular of the quintet's output. You have to remember though, that these fellas were, in jazz terms, in the stratosphere. Sorcerer requires work to get yourself into it. It is threads of instrumentation that become a weave of sound. (Away with this pretentious foppery man)

The album opens with 'Prince of Darkness' - Miles and Tony great on this one - I think the drums dictate and the others follow. The riff is distinctive and repeats itself at various points between the soloing.

'Pee Wee' follows and is terrific. Wayne opens with a sort of breathy solo followed by Herbie in minamilist mode.

'Masqualero' is another standout piece - Wayne's world again - Miles and Herbie contribute well and Ron gets some attention. Excellent stuff.

The title track suprisingly called 'The Sorcerer' is an uptempo Herbie penned effort. The riff theme is memorable and Tony as well as Herbie feature strongly throughout. A highlight.

'Limbo' comes from the same font as the opening track but less accessible - dark and moody soundscapes. This one takes a while to register.

'Vonetta' is yet another from Miles' ideas man. A favourite for me. The tempo shifts and turns. The track rises and falls and even though there are no outstanding solos it works as whole - jazz gestalt (write it down - discuss!)

'Nothing Like You' is about abberation and is best forgotten - listen to 'Star On Cicely' (Star People) instead.

The Sorcerer is not for the casual listener - it will frighten girls but is highly rewarding - intimate, complex and sophisticated. Not quite at the heights of ESP, Miles Smiles or Nefertiti.

It is a worthwhile investment but try and get the CD with the bonus tracks unless this version is selling for a half a crown or less.