Wayne Shorter
Juju

Wayne Shorter: one of the greatest composers to have ever lived; a perfect connoisseur of traditional theory and an insatiable innovator. A musician capable of narrating images, events, and cultures through his compositions. Examining each of his works makes it clear his creative method; he already has an inspiring idea in mind before laying the pen on the staff paper.

1964 is a year to remember for Shorter. He is chosen by Miles Davis as the saxophonist of the second, fabulous quintet; he debuts as a soloist for Blue Note with the album "Night Dreamer," which is followed the same year by the album in question, "Juju," and "Speak No Evil." And it is precisely in '64 that he distributes eighteen magnificent, original compositions across the three mentioned albums.

All the tracks in "Juju" are very interesting, especially harmonically; in each composition lies a perfect balance between dissonance and consonance, each chord resolves into the next, tension and relaxation.
Accompanying the saxophonist are McCoy Tyner, Reggie Workman, and Elvin Jones. It is difficult not to associate these three names with the giant John Coltrane, but Wayne Shorter is wrongly categorized as Coltranean; over the years, he has developed his own style, only initially influenced by Coltrane. In fact, the group's members were selected because their musical qualities were perfect for accompanying Shorter, without the intention of emulating Coltrane.

In particular, Tyner, with his powerful left hand, proves to be the perfect pianist to highlight the harmonies of the tracks; Tyner will only be replaced by Shorter's "soulmate": Herbie Hancock.
Moreover, Jones should be mentioned, his drumming is a true source of inspiration, a fundamental element of every composition.

From the title track, one is transported into a fascinating musical universe, the odd time further accentuates the sense of suspension offered by Tyner's voicings. The tracks follow one another with their load of drama, the various precautions taken by the leader, such as the beautiful introductions (Deluge, House Of Jade), or the alternation between swing and other rhythmic forms (Mahjong), enhance the album, making it a masterpiece of fine crafting.
Among all the compositions, the exceptional "Yes Or No" stands out; the title indicates the positive sense of the major chords of the first section (Yes) and the negativity of the bridge (No), which resolves again in the bright and open sound of the first eight bars; all of this is made exciting by the sustained speed and the wonderful theme, as well as the emotions offered by the alternation of "Yes" and "No".
The last track, "Twelve More Bars To Go," is instead linked to the Blues, the inspirer of all Jazz.

"Juju," like every Shorter record, turns out to be the result of an enormous work of innovation and it is precisely the originality that makes Shorter a true living legend; a spiritual character, a seeker of the true meaning of earthly life, a quest he embarked on through music.