"Birdland" is a jazz-fusion instrumental composition written by Austrian ke… Read Full Bio ↴"Birdland" is a jazz-fusion instrumental composition written by Austrian keyboardist Joe Zawinul of the band Weather Report as a tribute to the Birdland nightclub in New York City,. Featuring on the band's 1977 album "Heavy Weather", the song received awards as well as ranking high on US Billboard charts. It became a jazz standard, and entered the set lists of other artists including Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson’s big band, The Manhattan Transfer (whose version added lyrics by Jon Hendricks), Quincy Jones, Niacin and The String Cheese Incident.

"Birdland" marked the peak of Weather Report's commercial career with the release of Heavy Weather. With the addition of Jaco Pastorius, the band was able to push its music to the “height of its popularity”, and with that came "Birdland." Weather Report's most commercially successful composition, "Birdland" served as a tribute to the New York jazz club on 52nd street that housed many famous jazz musicians. The song was also named in honor of the man after whom the club was named, Charlie Parker, the ‘Bird’ himself. It was this club, that he frequented almost daily, that inspired Zawinul to write the song. Looking back, Zawinul claimed, “The old Birdland was the most important place in my life.”

Personnel
Joe Zawinul – Yamaha grand piano, vocal, melodica
Wayne Shorter – tenor saxophone
Jaco Pastorius – bass guitar, mandocello, vocals
Manolo Badrena – Tambourine

Birdland
Weather Report Lyrics

Instrumental

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Birdland5:59

PT5M59S

Weather Report

02A Remark You Made6:50

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@gordonrehm3350

22w

@@hairlessx11 What in the bloody hell does the key being performed in during a given moment have to do with true
musical innovation, passion, soul? A little clue to perhaps enhance your extremely limited understanding-NOTHING!
Most of your commentary is simplistic blathering; denigrating musicians based on keys chosen for composition
or improv moments is a flaccid and ignorant attempt at who knows what.
And if you believe that there is pretense on the part of WR, then WHY DID MT COPY THEIR ARRANGEMENT
almost note for note. I suppose you will now tell us that as well as "gifting" Joe Zawinul with this as his composition
to "help him out" you'll claim that the arrangement is of MT origin and "gifted" to WR. Hey, why not add ever more fantasies.

Now, when are you going to enlighten all of us "mistaken" ones concerning the date of conception of Birdland?
And your absolute proof that this was written by MT, which you of course can not offer.

All comments from YouTube:

@glenm786

1y↑374

RIP Wayne Shorter.
One of the greatest ever.
Enjoy your reunion with Joe and Jaco, among others!

@JonHop1

23w↑2

Had a few mistakes here but we forgive him!

@Zedzian23

7w↑3

Joe still jammin' up dere with Wayne and Jaco. Miroslav Vitouš and Alex Acuña (not Peter Erskine) on drums, plus Manolo Badrena playing tambourine. will be joining them soon, but "not yet" (Gladiator). Talk about the "Dream Team." Listen up people, this music does not age, it's FRESH in 2024. All credit to Miles for creating the genre (jazz fusion), but Weather Report PERFECTED it! To da max!

Reply

@craigreid7178

2y↑500

I knew Jaco. I sold him my Acoustic 360 bass rig when I took a break from music in '73. We lived a couple of blocks from each other and went to the same high school. He was a really nice guy, kinda quiet when I knew him. Truly a one-of-a-kind talent.
He could play any instrument first time out like he'd been playing it all his life.

@nikolinacabraja6314

2y↑27

THE REAL MUSIC HISTORY

@polarbear6064

2y↑4

Did he ever talk about The Urantia Book?

@craigreid7178

2y↑10

@@polarbear6064 I've read some of it but never had occasion to discuss it with Jaco. It's a HUGE book.

@doppio8061

ooh

@tomgardner8825

2y↑8

thanks for the memory!

31 More Replies...

@jamesgoines7663

31w↑23

Real music.
Real musicians.
Recorded live.

@hairlessx11

You are describing a Manhattan Transfer concert - a thing of beauty.

@freestateofeasterislands5099

3y↑284

Thanks to Araki I discovered some of my favourite bands like King Crimson and Pink Floyd, but Weather Report rocks hard too. I also started listening to bands I stopped listening to as a kid like AC/DC. Bless you Araki 😔🙏

@billlee1821

2y↑11

here from jojo as well lol

@spriterefreshed935

2y↑19

Actual good jojo related comment on a music video. It helped me discover a lot of songs too actually lol

@miguelgasconpavon1951

2y↑2

I listen for same reason

@tdoyr2119

2y↑4

I actually played this in jazz band before listening to it rather than listening it it because it was referenced in Jojo, but most of my favorite songs and bands come from watching Jojo

@stevenmoc3165

2y↑2

@@tdoyr2119 Jaco and AC/DC Forever

6 More Replies...

@pacrimco

11y↑428

Weather Report was a magical blend of musical genius. There will never be another like it. I miss Joe and Jaco but they come back alive every time I hear their wonderful music again.

@markproulx1472

3y↑10

Right on!

@carolynrodriguez7404

27w↑1

Same here!

@leonardbrown2219

I hope you don't mind if I add The Late Chick Corea to your list of Great Legend's/Pioneers of Fusion Jazz and his Return to Forever Band.Your comment is spot less/perfect.(May Their Music Forever Live On)😊😊😊

@user-qk3sc8rq9r

13w↑23

One of the greatest bands of all time doing one greatest songs of all time. It don't get better then this.

@adrianaberkyova3446

9w↑1

Máš pravdu.Tuto vec poznám už veľmi dlho,milujem jazz a nič lepšie od jazzu niet.

@virghammer1

Unless you're listening to the Manhattan Transfer, eh? 💓💓

@MeTakingAStand

2y↑303

we all know Jaco will always be a legend, but can we just appreciate the pocket that drummer is in???

@timtooker8332

2y↑11

That's how it goes, in the pocket. Live, in the moment.

@kpra.2pro590

2y↑7

not to mention those dynamics man.. utter perfection 👌🏾

@marktguitar

2y↑58

The drummer is Peter Erskine.

@robertcarli1969

2y↑12

@@marktguitar peter erskine is a beast my friend !

@dynasticlight8706

1y↑3

Most pockets are empty and have Holes in em...

37 More Replies...

@adityaadit2004

5y↑487

Pure oxygen.

@hasanbassari7364

4y↑11

STOP IT!!!

@cack-yo-weennormieyaki3094

4y↑18

@@hasanbassari7364 never

@wiebeengelen3375

4y↑19

I found the jojo's reference

@nagoya_flash0421

3y↑2

STOP !

@hotrodbumblebee9721

3y↑1

MADE IN HEAVEN

2 More Replies...

@krelbar

10y↑1.1K

Back when Jazz Fusion could make the charts.

@robertwolf3969

6y↑96

Back before Mega Corporations took over all the Radio Stations.

@Cam-yp7cn

6y↑39

This shit ain't topping charts no matter who is in charge

@MeMe4882

6y↑70

Back when jazz fusion was selling out stadiums!

@PatriotSteve

5y↑68

Cameron Fisher That’s not those four great musicians fault. It’s the dumbed down no class people who listen to Beyonce and Justin Beiber’s fault.

@robertfinanger4869

5y↑4

Jazzen

33 More Replies...

@AstroMayan

9y↑498

Just to answer the question:
Joe Zawinul- Keys
Wayne Shorter- Woodwinds
Jaco Pastorius- Bass
Peter Erskine- Drums

@Esgelrothion

4y↑21

Also known as one of the greatest lineups of all time

@geoffreyharold

4y↑6

THANK YOU ASTROMAYAN!

@Beefcomb

@Robert Boyle Are you kidding me?

@docwill184

4y↑1

@@Beefcomb Unknown guy. Had potential but faded from the scene. Never really amounted to much...

@derekakien7379

4y↑2

@@docwill184
LoL

17 More Replies...

@franzzaglauer6721

3y↑113

Heavy weather was the album that got me into jazz. that was in the late seventies. after that i listened to miles, coltrane, ornette, mingus, monk, rollins and all the others.
i don't understand why people think jazz is old-fashioned these days

@demolinertom2981

2y↑7

No musical culture, that's why.

@seaofmadness2622

Me too. My brother had this album and I played it alot in 1979 somewhere around that year

@seaofmadness2622

2y↑3

@@demolinertom2981 you are so right. Music is fake now. I always listen to 60s and 70s music

@takebacktheholyland9306

2y↑5

As a "young man" I can definitely testify, mainstream songs are garbage, most good music from this time are done by like, one or two people in their basement because it has passion

@sofrshsocln4

2y↑2

WELL SAID. What if there was a jazz fusion comeback just so many artists that look up to the greats emulating them...

2 More Replies...

@roseblake5803

5y↑108

My favorite part was Jaco’s vocals on this. His voice sounds just like an angel. You could tell he knew every note, cord, and sound from the whole band. Astonishing !!!!!!

@stephencrittenden9011

47w↑10

My two favorite parts of this are Jaco's vocals, and the fact that I always envisioned the soloing in the opening bars played on guitar, but here, Jaco plays them on his bass!!!

@zman890

27w↑2

@@stephencrittenden9011I thought the same thing.

@jimboasie8478

5w↑1

Jaco was an amazing bassist like no other. He left us way too soon! RIP Jaco.

@leleilbarbiere

10y↑78

After 35 years this song is ever on my playlist!!!

@gianniscossa3548

35w

Magnifica esecuzione !

@earlmonroe9251

35w↑13

On Dec 31, 1999, jazz fans nationwide voted Birdland the #1 Jazz Song of the 20th Century, followed by Stanley Clarke's School Days at #2. I always thought that was so cool -- two songs from the late 70s that resonated so much with people that TWENTY YEARS later they were voted as Top Two. I was in college in the late 70s and listened to those two songs all the time. Stanley Clarke & Jaco are the top two bass players in history. Stanley's bass solo on School Days is historic. Love both of those superstars. Stanley's solo on Spanish Phases for Strings & Bass will blow you away.

@Zedzian23

Try listening to Bill Evans' "Very Early," his first jazz composition. I think Miles did, that's why he tapped him for his quintet.

@jazzmum293

2y↑157

All these years, I had no idea it was Jaco singing. What an incredible voice.

@onamemmet

2y↑13

And all while playing that groovy walking line. Mastery.

@dipp4367

2y↑6

haha yeah!! thought there were ladies doing backup singing!!!

@therussiandragon616

2y↑4

He was pretty credible, really.

@thenamelesschannel2334

1y↑1

"An organism that can have sex with anything it encounters... I'm kinda jealous... I mean—no! That's just gross!"
—Jolyne Cujoh

@raqueloyarzo6684

1y↑2

The same here blew my mind that did falsetto

5 More Replies...

@mariahooks797

2y↑39

Jaco's style was totally unique; he played the bass as if it were a lead guitar. He added so much depth to Weather Report. He's the best electric bassist ever. I got to meet him at a mutual friend's home in early '70s; unfortunately everybody there was pretty f+++d up but he was nice enough to say hi to me when we were introduced. Wish he hadn't been so messed up & had gotten a chance to talk to him. But he went on to have stellar career. Can't take that away from him. Messed up or not he was totally in his own orbit. No one played like him.

@sicariusflamus3033

51w

les claypool comes pretty close

@zman890

27w

Bootsy Collins too.

@docbailey3265

22w

But what about Viktor Woooooooteeeen?

@Rick02809

2y↑28

Epic music and talent. Jocko would have been 71 in 2022...unimaginable talent snuffed out at a young age.

@dappykenny38

2y↑322

this song makes me wanna use my cloud ghost to play a piano using rain drops

@darkprism3745

2y↑13

Another jojo fan with his humor at the level of an average Japanese

@radclyffeja

2y↑1

hahah you are funny

@spriterefreshed935

2y↑7

unfunny

@mr.plenge1301

2y↑3

while walking on my tippy toes

@doppio8061

2y↑4

lmao use it to make it rain frogs, that'd be hilarious

3 More Replies...

@ehsargent

6y↑140

So much to love, but my favorite part is Jaco singing along with the sax.

@barbaravincent7172

6y↑151

I never realized it was Jaco doing those vocals before I saw this video.

@valentin9261

3y↑5

Same, always thought it was a choir

@timothymiller1783

3y↑6

On the original studio album, it was Josef.

@geoffreymckay6111

1y↑22

This performance especially dwells as a permanent and welcome earworm in my mind that helps me deal with the tribulations of life. RIP Wayne Shorter!

@markallan5484

1y↑21

I was sad to hear Wayne Shorter died at 89. He remains one of my favourite sax players ever.

@sicariusflamus3033

51w

its so sad that wayne shorter died from ligma

@Emersonlakeorpalmer

44w

@@sicariusflamus3033shutcho

@zpervaiz7345

2y↑363

This song reminds me of RAINING POOISON DART FROGS IN FLORIDA

@umihissatsu6719

1y↑24

IS THAT A FRICKING JOJO'S REFERENCE?

@angelruiz6168

1y↑5

@gordonwatson7235

1y↑4

Check your spelling!

@danielpalafox7192

1y↑2

Metamorphosis!!!

@Racheykins

38w

Well I need to check that ☝️coz this is one of my favs

7 More Replies...

@jessn3312

35w↑4

Honestly the folk who take the time to preserve this history deserve our greatest respect. May they live long and prosper as they say these days

@johnnyplatis

11y↑69

It doesn't matter if this is jazz or not, this is just a great piece of music played by extraordinarily talented people.

@Vierotchka

11y↑32

"Birdland" is a jazz-fusion instrumental composition written by keyboardist Joe Zawinul of Weather Report. The song made its debut on Weather Report’s 1977 studio album, Heavy Weather. With Birdland at the helm of the album, the song gained a tremendous amount of media success, receiving a number of awards, as well as ranking high on various Billboard charts.

@chrispile3878

3y↑5

I still have the vinyl copy I bought way back in the 70's.

@eddelamarter5123

6y↑85

I was a friend of Jaco's from the Village. It hurt my heart when he died.

@victoriakenbridgeuploadpro1540

That Asshole in the Bar in Fort Liquor Dale though Jaco had a torrid but amazing life and Music like this cant even be performed like this today. Not a PC in sight there Smartphine ??? lol

@victoriakenbridgeuploadpro1540

4y↑2

So Sorry Ed go to meet him briefly when worked for Whisper Concert in prom for a couple of ther show in VA 1977. Amazing energy

@duanecampbell4925

3y↑1

Understand fully Jacob great ness

@jampoles

@@victoriakenbridgeuploadpro1540 I don't think he had any idea who Jaco was but not sure if it changed anything had he known.

@juniorjohnson9509

7y↑105

One of the most incredible bands ever. Was lucky enough to see them many times in their prime.

@tobymcguire515

Me too

@johnflorance8183

2y↑1

Me three

@Tony-mh3dm

Incredible? Im 62 and never even heard of them. Lol

@juniorjohnson9509

2y↑3

@@Tony-mh3dm That only shows how little you know about music. :)

@watermelone_man

1y↑1

@@Tony-mh3dm Well that was embarrassing

1 More Replies...

@andresesqueda1424

8y↑54

that walking baseline starting @ 1:46 is........

godly.

and then he's singing at the same time??

man...

@joepollockbass

3y↑35

I love the swing rhythm they did for this rendition.

@frankmilligan6422

3y↑15

Never get tired of hearing this...from the first time I heard it, I've been smiling ever since !!

@tonydeq

3y↑4

I had the privilege of seeing them perform in Englewood, NJ. During the performance, an older black guy came into the auditorium and walked up on stage. It was Dizzy Gillespie. He jammed with them for over an hour. It was fantastic!

@Zedzian23

"Better than two sets of Dizzy..."--Al Jarreau, "Better than Anything"

@constantcash6335

8y↑14

Saw WR live. THey were past perfection. Broke my heart when they ended the group. But you got them here. Loads of thanks.

@familialo2615

1y↑9

RIP Wayne Shorter. Here he's playing with Joe, Jaco and Peter this theme from the Weather Report album "Heavy Weather" (1977). Composed by keyboardist Joe Zawinul, the studio recording featured Alex Acuña (not Peter Erskine) on drums, plus Manolo Badrena playing tambourine.

@billsaus2553

44w

One of my favorite electric Jazz bands…and “Birdland” has to be my favorite song from that genre.

@relaxsleepmusic82

39w↑2

I remember playing this song in jazz band in high school many years ago. Brings back so many beautiful memories

@hairlessx11

37w

Be honest: you would rather have sung the song, wore some sharp suits – maybe with a cocktail in hand – and 'danced' the song under purple neon lights – just like Manhattan Transfer? It's OK, you can reveal your true feelings on the matter.

@gordonrehm3350

25w

@@hairlessx11 Sure, every true musician just longs to be a staged poser.

@roberta4266

5y↑11

Jaco Pastorius, Master Bassist, weaves a tapestry of Bass brilliance. It truly 'makes' the piece timeless. Kudos to Zawinul for this too. Work of art.

@krisscanlon4051

3y↑18

Absolutely sick! I'm speechless at the sound of Zawinuls synths mixed in with Jaco and whatever God like thing he is doing on bass. Incredible musicianship.

@terrypussypower

Apart from the 4:42 section where Zawinul’s Mini Moog definitely suffered from some tuning issues!

@mauricerogerson5825

10y↑46

Wow! Jaco did the vocal on that? I did not know. He was amazing. He got more out of a four string bass than many today get out of an eight string!

@carolynrodriguez7404

27w↑3

Saw this same line up of WR in summer '81... So happy I got to see this configuration. I can NOT stop stomping and moving when I hear this!! The energy is infectious!!

@hairlessx11

26w

But...assume Manhattan Transfer got you PROPERLY dancing though?1?! The original is always the best (and they kept their clothes on - no awful hairy chests/backs!)

@gordonrehm3350

24w

@@hairlessx11Oh yeah, the ever pretentious MT.

@gordonrehm3350

23w

@@hairlessx11 And in what year was the original recorded? HELLO?

@hairlessx11

22w

@@gordonrehm3350 Pretentious?! No, that would be people who try and play in the key of B major or Gb minor. MT are the epitome of cool, sexy, talent and pizzazz, blazing a magical trail that bands like WR followed but never matched.

@gordonrehm3350

22w

2 More Replies...

@philippeororke6232

2y↑18

A masterpiece and historical moment for jazz and rock meantime ! Jaco and Jo became legends.

@hairlessx11

2y↑1

Piggy-backing on Manhattan Transfer's great song. It baffles me why groups like Weather Report didn't learn to entertain the audience more, like introducing co-ordinated on-stage moves, costumes, props (like a cocktail table or neon signs) etc. How anyone could sit through hours of peaple jamming, probably making multiple mistakes in the precess, is beyond me. They should have learned from MT's approach to putting on a good show.

@sirjer73

1y↑3

How is Weather Report piggy backing off Manhattan Transfer when Joe Zawinol is the composer of the composition, and they did it first?????

@Jojo270573

8y↑21

Josef and Jaco: Bless you. Thanks for the lovely music.

@w336o4

4y↑5

With complete respect to the obvious musical genius on display here when I listen to this song I always imagine it as the theme tune to the best 70's buddy cop TV show that never was.

@barfboy2000

two guys from the band are starring roles. Detectives during the day, musicians by night. They use music to solve crime.

@flaviobuschinelli1309

13w↑2

Weather Report was the greatest fusion band EVER. An ensemble based on Zawinul and Shorter that evolved with fantastic formations until finding Jaco as the chery of the cake, unforgetable!

@davidwebb091370

6y↑519

Jaco redefined the electric bass. To me, he is the greatest electric bassist of all time. As Sting pointed out in the docu film, Jaco: "All of us stand on Jaco’s shoulders. No one could have missed that section of DNA out. You know, you needed Jaco, to get to this point."

@Kanaka101

4y↑1

@Yeezus_2

4y↑11

@@Kanaka101 the dude who plays bass for the band is jaco, thats who OP was talking about

@Thomasuki267

3y↑53

I totally disagree. With or without Jaco, I'd still suck at playing bass at this point.

@Detailverliebt

3y↑14

when I listen to the bass lines it drives me nuts, Jaco is really one of the few greatest of all time

@erikheddergott5514

3y↑7

I do not want to put down Jaco, but his Bass Playing did not become the Main Line of Electric Bass Playing, it was to special, but it will always be an important Sideline.

48 More Replies...

@spo0ky14

8y↑11

I so love this piece. They make it look so easy :-) Some times you hear other people play covers with this song but they don't ' swing ' the phrases like these guys do. Who could not like this. :-)

@estuppfato4278

11y↑13

I saw these guys live in London and I feel sorry for anyone who didn't see them live. They were absolutely majestic. Pastorius 10 minute solo was amazing

@seaofmadness2622

2y↑2

I saw them at the Berklee music hall in Boston Massachusetts in 1984 I was 8 months pregnant with my 37 year old daughter! I admit my seat was uncomfortable cause of pregnancy but it was the BEST concert I ever went to! Thanks to my brother for lending me his weather report album I had to see them! Now I can binge watch on YouTube! They're the best!

@Zedzian23

Blessings to you and your daughter. Live long and prosper.

@jessn3312

35w↑2

Absolutely brilliant combo with drummer sax and bass. Perfection x

@jazzynet1

8y↑106

I was at the concert outside Cleveland when Weather Report, Santana, Mahavishnu Orchestra were playing! What a SHOW! It was the 4th of July and some idiots were throwing fire crackers in the show! Imagine it! Only thing missing was Return to Forever!

What a life!

@Eleventhearlofmars

6y↑5

That’s a SHOW. 3 bands all at top of their game on one billing ffs lol

@4406bbldb

Good videos of good times.

@vernegilbert4786

6y↑1

wow,that had to be the best show

@mikesiemens8672

5y↑4

jazzynet1 Can’t remember the year (76?) when I saw Lenny White, Al DiMeola, w/ WR as headliner at Winterland in SF. One of the best concerts that I’ve ever attended! I think that RTF had just broken up. I miss Fusion.

@Mr.8r1ce-8usch

5y↑3

Mahuvishnu Was Fucking AMAZING!

10 More Replies...

@abrahkadabra9501

4y↑10

A lot of great jazz came out of the 1970s. It was great to be a kid growing up in that musical era.

@sdgakatbk

3y↑2

Absolutely!! I like the older jazz too, but I really like fusion jazz in the 70s. Even though the 60s was a great musical decade with the Beatles and the British Invasion and a whole lot of other stuff, I think the 70s were better in part because of the jazz.

@winnhill3736

40w

Great band and even a very cool album cover of a bad storm over a city.😊

@sapelesteve

22w

I was lucky enough to have seen Weather Report in concert way back in 1976. About half way through the concert the stage lights went dark. Then a spot light suddenly lit up Jaco sitting alone on stage. He then started a solo Bass performance which absolutely was the most amazing thing that I have ever seen a musician do. I was in the front row center stage and couldn't believe what I was watching as he played that Bass. It was just so incredible that when he finished there was a few seconds of total silence then an eruption of applause & an extended standing ovation. I will never/ever forgot that night! RIP Jaco, Joe & Wayne and thanks for the memories!

@bipmix

21w

I saw them that year in LA with Oscar Peterson and feeling was the same...

@wickerboi9319

5y↑11

I love how they swung it in this performance.

@christophersimmons6377

8y↑63

The late great Joe Zawinul was born on this day; July 7th, 1932. Thank you Joe for all the great music memories!

@daniloong3776

8y↑2

was a dick to Jaco though. Hahaha :))))

@jiricirtek9596

6y↑4

if anyone came up to you and told you " im the best X", you should tell him to fuck off as well, since 99% are scammers. lmao

@doctorgarbonzo2525

6y↑3

Joesph Zawinul, Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea All are credited, The true Pioneers of Electric Piano & Fusion Jazz,
Weather Reports 1st critically acclaimed Album Mysterious Traveler in 74' broke barriers in Jazz, the track Nubian Sundance, The Musical arrangement is still simply amazing to this day, A true work of Art a Masterpiece It sets the mold for other great bands like Return Forever to emulate, The 1st 5 minutes of that song is epic & stupendous, Doesn't get any better than that

@RPM1776

he was born on MURICA DAY

@christopherdusil2590

4y↑6

One of my all time favorites, I don't care how many times I hear this or which version, it always gives me goose bumps!

@robertwolf3969

6y↑4

Heavy Weather ! One of the all time great albums.

@dreamsofelephant98

4y↑11

one of the great songs ever written, and amazing band..

@davidbergin6184

4y↑13

I’m so grateful to this band for introducing me to jazz back in 1977.

@bmitrule

2y↑1

same here... in 82 ;)

@adude394

1y↑11

45 years later, it's still a great song!

@hairlessx11

1y↑1

It is indeed - Manhattan Transfer never came up with one as good... (although their snazzy dancing skills went off the scale of brilliance over time)

@kathleenflick6041

It's perfection.

@hairlessx11

@@kathleenflick6041 Never quite got over how Weather Report polluted MT's great song with their 'bedroom jamming'. Wish I could get a time machine and at least teach them a move or two.

@nevadasestamibi

1y↑1

Back when it came out in 1977, a struggling rock station in the Twin Cities, WDGY, tried out a format called "full color radio", which involved playihg this just about every ten minutes. Still, it has never worn thin on me. I have the CD and play it frequently.

@jimdep6542

46w

@@hairlessx11 It's even better since music is so crummy now.

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@yvettemoore1228

9w↑1

Never fails to give me goosebumps

@richinoable

6y↑2

my god. Jaco churns out that luscious bass line while SCATTING Mr. Shorter's harmony. then he goes over the top, harmonizing with it. Mr. Shorter is suitably impressed. so am i. thanks!

@FoldedArt

11y↑11

As a fan of both rock and jazz this is simply perfect! And what a base player! Pastorius is the best, his work has so much melody.

@michaelburke7742

10y↑24

Jaco is phenomenal. I just realized he is also doing the vocals. Incredible.

@johnrigon7993

1y↑1

The high pitched vocals - what a talent

@meisterslx

19w↑1

I somehow like how they have been singled out by the different cameras. Incredible musicians, each in their own place, yet perfectly playing together. 100/100

@roderickbrown5349

I know this was the theme song to some show my folks use to watch. Soon as I heard the beginning I was teleported back to sitting on the couch with my pop. Thanks for the nostalgia moment.

@mmojorissen

11y↑2

I LOVE THIS TUNE... HAVE LISTENED TO IT 100S OF TIMES... LONG BEFORE VIDEO!!!

@romanmorata

10y↑84

Joe Zawinul - Keyboards
Wayne Shorter - Saxos soprano y tenor
Jaco Pastorius - Bajo eléctrico
Peter Erkskine - Bateria

@giusangiu

4y↑1

спасибо за перевод, обнимаю из Кении

@giusangiu

4y↑2

danke für die übersetzung, eine umarmung aus kenia

@romanmorata

4y↑3

@@giusangiu It was a pleasure

@francohuber6386

3y↑2

Can't understand every single dislike 😒 this track has everything. The pure beauty of Music 🎶

@genderandradiationimpactpr8714

3y↑2

Two years later (1980) I survived my Senior year (thesis) in biology playing this song "mantra style" -- lovely to revisit! THANK YOU for posting.

@westcoastgoose

8y↑135

Love Jaco's vocals.

@007Benjee

7y↑11

I was pleasantly surprised with his vocals, a nice touch to this glorious jam.

@mjjm5511

Agreed

@zootsoot2006

4y↑6

God yeah, listening to the record I thought it was a glorious black lady singing! Also the bass at the beginning, always figured that was a guitar, never heard bass harmonics that good before.

@M4tth3wC

3y↑2

@@zootsoot2006 me too man! i thought it was just a smooth guitar at first then i saw him bending harmonics???

@terrypussypower

3y↑1

When I first heard that vocal I was looking to see who the female vocalist was!

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@ronpatton9424

2y↑7

I was extremely fortunate to have seen them perform this classic years ago. What an incredible experience!

@hairlessx11

You'd have been better to have swapped your ticket for the mighty Manhattan Transfer - they had more talent on their little finger (x4) than the whole of Weather Report's hand(s). You would have at least had an evening of great entertainment: cool harmonies, sharp suits, sexy moves and much more - perhaps even with a cocktail or two.

@watermelone_man

1y↑2

@@hairlessx11 If I had a weather report ticket I wouldn't be swapping it for any other band at all.

@hairlessx11

@@watermelone_man It's your choice of course but MT ooze class and are streets ahead of Weather Report in almost every department, most noticeably in their ability to sing AND dance at the same time. No one can tell me say Wayne Shorts or Jack Pastorio had more charisma, they just play 'complicated' scales while a hairy bloke drummed.

@watermelone_man

1y↑1

@@hairlessx11 I agree to disagree. Jaco had, in my opinion, more charisma than the whole MT band. He sings and he dances too. Besides, I would be there for the music, not a dance performance and a cocktail.

@johnrigon7993

@@hairlessx11 You are probably on drugs - its OK - get some treatment and then you can appreciate real music - not some folk singers!!!

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@yelassinacoulibaly

19w↑1

The music of Faso is an inexhaustible source of sweetness.
It allows us to plunge deep inside ourselves and at the same time resonate with our fellow man, Yé Lassina Coulibaly❤❤❤❤❤

@maatras2125

3y↑2

these guys made so many of my days when i was feeling down.

@RSTAR2009

8y↑16

Hearing this as a kid I didn't know what the lead instrument was! It was not until the last 5 years that I learned that it was the brilliant electric bassist Jaco Pastorius! His is classic song "Portrait of Tracy" has been sampled by hip-hop artist Chingy ft. Tyrese "Pulling Me Back" & R&B female vocal trio SWV's "Rain"!

@happyskabass

8y↑1

+Ramon LeBlanc Harts Wow, I didn't know there were so many songs that had it as sample. There's "Pigeon" also, by Cannibal Ox :)

@gunnarthomas3804

7y↑55

That drummer is too good.

@oroelands1

6y↑6

Gunnar Thomas that s Peter Erskine one of my all time favoriete drummers since North SEA jazz steps ahead 'trains' w. Victor Bailey on the bass, frontmen Mike Manieri (still going strong; saw him me last birthday in March) and the late and forever great Michael Brecker.

@datapolo

3y↑1

When we first got hold of this album at school in the 70's the reputation was that the band had an incredible rhythm section whereas Stanley Clarke was the bass player of note at the time.

@carlosibarra14

4y↑1

Desde Argentina, genios Whater Report, gracias por tanta musica!!!

@markpatterson2507

3y↑1

Great line up with Jaco and a Pete joining Zawinul and Shorter....sublime

@susannahsears3041

4y↑10

That was one groovalicious, fanfreakingtastic aural sway down memory lane. Thanks so much for posting! SZ xo 💓

@reneegregory829

8y↑6

Heard this live at a Connecticut restaurant back in '94. The fellas were outrageous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Vegatable

Was it a cover? Because Jaco was long dead by then.

@albertobonifazzi6298

3y↑1

Ma che roba è questa????? Fantastico... Bellissimo!!!!!

@user-lj1rq5zf6s

3y↑2

最高のメンバーによる最高の演奏!!純粋に音が楽しい🎶これが音楽というもの!!🎺🎹🎸♥️🤗😆

@conanhall1

5y↑3

Saw this tour at Uptown Theater in KC. '78 Awesome show.

@didray

6y↑6

Mon Dieu quel talent !!!! , C'est Magnifique !!!

@frantisekvencl9685

9w↑1

Almost 50 years ago.... still excelent

@fedtho

7y↑4

Goosebumps of delight, my utlimate Weather Report line-up playing one of the ultimate, perfectly joyful and creative songs Zawinul's factory of wonders produced.

@reapeashooter2

8y↑174

STAND NAME: WIZA RIPOTU

@geordaneichhorn7292

8y↑12

Wow that drummer is great, they're all great. What a piece of music.

@Raggaemon

8y↑3

+Geordan Eichhorn ... that's Peter Erskine, he has a GREAT book out titled, No Beethoven, if you want a close up view of the high points from the Jaco Weather Report years, you have to get that book !

@johngulino2651

One of my favorites, “Weather Report: Live and Unreleased.” Two CDs. Wow. 😀

@ipice5706

4y↑2

Fantastici....non ci sono aggettivi x definirli👏👏👏👏🔝🔝🔝

@TUZOIVAN16

8y↑816

It's gonna rain frogs.

@deephurting8583

8y↑85

and people are gonna turn into snails

@noobzoflegends8618

8y↑20

+The World I love you guys, you are the kings of The kings

@danielsniderman2090

5y↑4

No it’s not

@vovabars1234

5y↑23

@@danielsniderman2090 lets be honest,you are pretending,i see you in every music video with a joko reference

@sydzappa5082

5y↑3

What's the reference?

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@optivplop5859

3y↑7

Pure oxygen in music form

@tdrewke

3y↑2

Still loving it in 2021.

@keenanX1

3y↑10

JACO... He can do vocal squeals like Prince... And jump in the air like David Lee Roth. He's more influential than I ever realized...

@mattivuolteenaho2776

6y↑3

One of the best pieces of music ever made!

@michaelgombkoto6941

3y↑27

I am so proud of Joe!
From our hometown!
This is music history!

@earospace

3y↑5

Mozart, Mahler, Zawinul. Austria rules!

@garylove5475

2y↑4

Zawinul was an absolute master of his craft not only as a player but a catalyst for bringing out the very best out of other musicians ... Carlos Santana said as much when playing This is This with them. They don’t make Joe’s or Jaco’s any more

@michaelgombkoto6941

40w

@@earospace You'll damn right!!!!!

@michaelgombkoto6941

40w↑1

@@garylove5475 Such a nice comment. Thank you!
But did you know that Joe could also cook the original Wiener Gulasch in the USA? :)

@robertperrella4194

5y↑2

what a brilliant song that will more than stand the test of time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@realhoneysuckle1927

1y↑1

Big jojos fan here, was ecstatic upon finding out we were playing this

@dannyjarvis8093

7y↑7

Perfection from start to finish!

@285209

11y↑13

in their band prime there simply was not a more musically diversified, technically proficient, 'so in love with the music', group than Weather Report when they were on stage...it was quite breathtaking...nothing better on a warm summer night at a lovely outdoor venue under the stars

@LiveMusicOntario

Toronto used to have an FM station that would play Weather Report, Chick Corea, Return to Forever, John McLaughlin, Jean Luc Ponty, etc. even at 7 a.m. I had the station as my morning clock radio. So I started my walk to high school feeling all groovy and the day went down hill from there :)
I was listening to this stuff when I was 16. I was no hippy either. Never smoked cigs or dope, played football, joined the reserves. It's all good.
Finally last week I discovered one of my good friends is totally into this stuff, so an hour's drive in his car is heaven.

@scarzgalore9102

1y↑2

To Me.. the Greatest Band Ever!! The Music is DAMN Near Perfect to have No Vocalist!!.. I don't have the Words But this is Extremely Special pure Brilliance!!!!

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