Shorter validates his work

Post-bop and fusion saxophonist Wayne Shorter's latest release, Alegría, though not a compilation, may be a good introduction for those unfamiliar with his work. Rather than displaying the extremes, it seems to be a culmination of his years of moving around stylistically. The range of the compositions is subtle enough to maintain focus when moving from the soundtrackish "Serenata" to the Latin jazz of "Vendiento Alegria." Though there aren't many elements of his earlier fusion, fellow Weather Report member and percussionist Alex Acuna appears on the album, adding authenticity to the Latin vibe. Shorter's signature soprano and tenor sax sounds exude patience while building his solos. Though some of the more angular melodies and soloing can be hard to swallow for a non-hardcore jazz fan, Shorter's clear direction and rhythmic hooks make the listener feel right at home by the middle of the first track. In that sense, Shorter makes his music rather accessible without dumbing it down. Alegria isn't by any means his most adventurous work, but his take on Villa-Lobos' "Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5" almost validates a listen by itself. As with the rest of the album, it's a delicate balance of his eclecticism and intelligence.