Heavy Weather

4.0 - Sounds like the soundtrack to a 1981 cop comedy, maybe starring Dustin Hoffman and Danny Glover. They have to solve a murder case involving Colombian drug dealers. A wealthy heiress is the love interest. She’s modestly hot in a big-haired 80s way. There’s one sex scene where she’s wearing ridiculous lingerie and we see her tits for half a second. There’s a car chase, a couple explosions, one drunken evening that makes the main character question his choices, finally he cracks the case, the bad guys go to jail, he says goodbye to his partner and the girl. The last scene shows him moving back out West, giving up the cop grind, to work as a ranch hand.

It frustrates me that out of the limited amount of jazz on this list, we get this. With all due respect, it's the most background music, white-people-dinner-party type jazz you can get. Not that it's terrible, it's fine, but not engaging in the slightest. I wonder why this was included when so many others were left out? (reads the wiki entry) "the band's most commercially successful album"..."one of the best sellers in the Columbia jazz catalog"..."the opening track was a significant commercial success"... ah there we go...the creator of the book didn't know anything about jazz and so resorted to throwing in some Miles Davis and Coltrane that everyone knows, and then skimming the best sellers to pad it out. Of course.

And today’s forecast is bland with possible schmooz later.

Pretty good. Really great structure and song writing. Excellent musicianship. The songs aren't really my bag, but it's great music to analyze.

Well, Jaco Pistorious is an amazing bassist. The album is a bit meh though. Easy listening performed by geniuses.

2.98 is the current rating as of Feb 2025. What the hell is wrong with you people? This is a landmark album and group in Jazz Fusion. The compositions, instrumentation, and performances are absolutely outstanding. This was cutting edge in the 70s and still holds up. Sure the synths sound a little cheesy thanks to getting overused in the 80s, but man, you got Jaco ripping it up on bass, Shorter on sax, and Zawinul on synth- these dudes are literally legends of jazz. Why does Headhunters have a higher rating? Is it because people recognize Herbie Hancock? More accessible? If the "I dont like jazz" crowd doesn't get it, then maybe we need to just give up on you trying to understand it. But this is the backbone for all the best popular music.

Jaco is so good. I had heard of him, and was familiar with his style, but didn't realize this was his band. I do love fusion jazz.

"Heavy Weather" is a great example of a jazz fusion record that has such a good vibe that it's no wonder why it's one of the most successful and acclaimed records of the genre. The opener, "Birdland", has Joe Zawinul and Jaco Pastorius mixing piano and fretless bass as the signiture sound of the band. Joined by Wayne Shorter, Alex Acuña and Manolo Badrena, what you have is a dream team of jazz, and songs like "Teen Town" and "Palladíum" are unforgetable classics of the style.

Mostly hooky with a 90% chance of sweet and tuneful melodies. The groves are ebullient and some of the crescendos nearly orgiastic – these cats were having a blast it seems and were fearless in charting a new course for jazz or pop music. It's not just a kinder, gentler approach to fusion, but precise and excellent on its own terms, with at times otherworldly playing.

"Jazz Odyssey." That was the answer offered by Spinal Tap bassist when the band found themselves short of a guitar player. The result was a hilarious mix of well-intentioned attempts at virtuosity and well-pissed fans. This time though, a Spinal Tap fan was not giving a disapproving thumbs-down to a vision quest of jazz and psychedelia. Weather Report featured Jaco Pastorius, the man who was oft deemed the Hendrix of bass, and Heavy Weather is chock full of reasons why and how he earned that title. Melodic one moment, and tastefully dissonant the next, with a good amount of percussivity, Pastorius managed to display his range while still playing well with others. Tracks like Harlequin gave free reign to the sax, piano and keyboards (?) all laying atop snaking basslines that were melodic in their own right. If the first listen was a monolithic odyssey, the second run on this record allowed for this writer to be introduced to each track as individual works, whether it was the frenetic, tambourine-driven Birdland or the contemplative Rumba on side-B, this record proves to be one that keeps on giving. There will be something new to take away from each listen, from each instrument. I can't wait to do this a third time.

This album is great but I don't think it's the best fusion album of all time. That being said, Birdland is a pretty iconic first track (even if I do prefer the Maynard Ferguson version). A Remark You Made is likewise a standout track.I really love Pastorius' tone and it's just an excellent ballad. My other favorite track is the final song Havona, which is a really unique song and a great way to end the album. Overall, I think the production limits the album. Compositionally it's amazing, but some of the songs don't hit quite as hard as they ought to. That being said, there is certainly a reason it's a classic fusion album. Birdland: 9.5/10 A Remark You Made: 9.5/10 Teen Town: 7.5/10 Harlequin: 7.5/10 Palladium: 8.5/10 The Juggler: 8/10 Havona: 9/10 Decent 8/10

While I had heard Birdland before (in music history class), the rest of the album was not very memorable. Maybe I’d spin it again when I’m looking for upbeat work music, but honestly it just wasn’t that interesting.

When I was in High School, I went through an 80s jazz fusion phase from Youtube recommendations. I'm sure the likes of Casiopea blew up in other people's feeds as well. Jazz tried to be pop-accessible a couple decades earlier, but that style has long since sounded dated: barebones, predictable, and repetitive. The mid-60s brought a wave of rock musicians incorporated jazz into their music for various purposes, but those songs were either catchy pop tunes, grand prog or jam compositions, or just straight out weird (Frank Zappa, Soft Machine, Miles Davis). What Weather Report does here is smoothly incorporate rock instrumentation and recent synth developments to enhance the cool jazz experience. It's not like they're the first to do this, but I consider them to be the strongest out of everyone who came before them. With Jeff Beck, I'm focused on the guitar work and atmosphere. With Steely Dan, it's about the pop hooks and mood. But here, I can appreciate the whole group and the development of their compositions over time. It's smooth and natural with quiet and loud moments, funky grooves and electrifying synths, to make each track feel alive. Song structure is surely inspired by TV and movie soundtracks. "Teen Town" definitely sounds like a theme for some crime show. Only weak song is "The Juggler" but it couldn't even annoy me at my worst with how low key it is. The record works as a coherent experience. Starts off with one of the most popular jazz standards of all time, and from there takes you through an easy-going, short (37 minutes), yet fun adventure. You're free to pay attention or space out: it's all the same enjoyment. Giving it 5 stars for being the most put-together jazz fusion record I've heard. Besides "Birdland", none of the songs blow away my expectations, but it's all unique, intriguing, and well thought-out, offering diversity and innovation.

It ain't for everyone's taste, but I like it. Fave Tracks: Birdland, Havona 4/5

Truly innovative: This Weather Report accurately predicted the sound of mid-80’s cheese in 1977. (The second half of this record is really good, though)

- easy listening, some spicier tracks but overall chilled. - bigband not my thing, solos a little muddy. - Drums are the standout, maybe followed by piano.

Don’t love 70s jazz but it felt capable

That's some crowd-pleasing, TV theme tune level of jazz going on. If I'd wanted to listen to this before I died if have just watched some studio-filmed sitcom from the age, then at least I'd have something to watch too. 1.5☆

somewhere between 80s sitcom opening credits and Mario Kart

First song sounds like a knock off “Night Court” theme song but not in a good way. Second song sounds like Kenny G-tier quiet storm bullshit. Third song is background music for Axl Foley to chase bad guys to. Fourth song feels like I should be offering a woman with very large hair and shoulder pads a line of cocaine off my glass coffee table lit by neon light to try to get her “in the sack.” Fifth songs has drums and yelling. Sixth song I’m at a limbo contest on a cruise ship and everyone there is white except the staff. Seventh song sounds like a Renaissance fair needed background music but only had a Casio keyboard. Last song is just standard issue jazz fusion made by and for people wearing brightly colored polo shirts. This music is so lame they had to put a fedora on the cover to warn everyone. Sorry, it’s obviously a jazz hat. https://youtu.be/Ry1xNNgbkYw?si=BS9OlKJt2mJPCS2X

No. 70/1001 Birdland 3/5 A Remark You Made 3/5 Teen Town 3/5 Harlequin 2/5 Rumba Mama 2/5 Palladium 2/5 The Juggler 2/5 Havona 2/5 Average: 2,38 Jazz album that is ok, but didn't really excite me at all.

in choosing to go through this list i thought i might broaden my musical horizons. what it has actually done has entrench my previous opinions and the list has become a chore of forcing myself to listen to things that i know quite quickly that i don't like. case in point, this jazz willy waving nonsense.

Not in the mood, not sure what mood I would have to be in actually.

Weather report: cloudy sky with little visibility of the stars

Very funky

This was way better than I had imagined it would be. Jazz fusion is the genre. It was lovely. Yeah, this is absolutely great and I can't really say anything bad about it at all. It never gets boring, sometimes is sublime, and remains way up there as far as generally entertaining music is concerned. There are few lyrics, few bells and whistles, but it is a thing of beauty.

"Heavy Weather" is the seventh album by American jazz fusion band Weather Report. This album was their most successful album reaching #30 on the US Billboard 200 and is one of the best selling albums in the Columbia jazz catalog. The powerhouse jazz band included Joe Zawinul (synths, pianos, mellotron), Wayne Shorter (tenor and soprano sax), Jaco Pastorius (fretless bass, mandocello), Alex Acuña (drums, congas, tom-toms) and Marolo Badrena (tambourine, congas, vocals, timbales, percussion). "Birdland" opens the album with the music coming in very slowly. A constant beat. A lovely mix of the synth and horns. Every instrument is loud and clear. This song was a tribute to the nightclub where Zawinul saw a number of great jazz performers. This is one of the jazz songs that most everyone has heard at some point. "A Remark You Made" is softer. High-pitched piano keys. A sultry sax solo. Very relaxing. And, oh, a keyboard jam. Pastorius wrote and performed lead bass on "Teen Town." A kicking drum beat by Acuña. Jammy and funky. Pastorius' bass plays off of and with the keyboards and horns. Brilliant. "Palladium" is another great example of the musicians playing off of each other. It's more smooth jazz. Complex drumming. Multiple concurrent melodies. It's easy to see why this album was so successful. Easy and smooth listening. It's dreamy and relaxing. Just excellent musicianship of all instruments. There's really not any long songs which might deter some from a jazz album. There's also great melodies and solos. The fusion I heard was between jazz and rock and progressive rock. Even though I am in no way a jazz expert, I do believe I can tell a really good album and this is one of those.

A classic jazz fusion album from the 1970's. great musicianship especially from Jaco Pastorius and Joe Zawinul.

Jazzy but also synthy. Spotify description called it Jazzy rock so i believe it.

This was fun. Jaco and the boys gettin down on some polished crystal smooth jazz

Love this sound,

Love “Birdland” from my band days - glad to hear the rest of this classic album!

tasteful compositions, groovy, suggestive & moody. rly happy with this one, one more added to the list of records i will be coming back to.

5/5

Excellent

Yes

Funky! Jaco good

in the jazz world, there's often a negative vibe associated with the idea of achieving a certain level of commercial success, especially if your music leans electric. Weather Report, perhaps one of the most electrified groups in jazz history, proved with their first run of albums that an interest in amplification and synthesizers didn't necessarily mean you had to suddenly start writing pop songs. with Heavy Weather, though, Jaco Pastorius joins the battle. his signature fretless bass sound definitely swung the band's focus a little towards the mainstream (you could call this album a progenitor of smooth jazz), but in a way that feels less like a cash grab and more like a group of high-level jazz performers earnestly trying their hand at instrumental pop music. the opener, "Birdland", is one of the most iconic songs of the fusion era for good reason. hearing the melodies in the keys, horns and bass trading back and forth is a joy, and the whole thing builds to a tremendous climax. then you get hit with "A Remark You Made", a gorgeous ballad that puts Wayne Shorter's tenor saxophone in the center of some incredible harmony. these first two songs were written by Joe Zawinul, Weather Report's de facto leader, and are a fantastic display of how this band went about walking the line between jazz virtuosity and pop accessibility. the run of three tracks that closes the LP out are also stupendous, especially "Havona" with its epic introductory bass/synth chorale which comes back at the end to tie everything up. these three tracks also give Alex Acuña lots of opportunities for some tremendous drumming. as of the day I'm writing this, the 1001AG average on this album is a mere 2.98/5. I won't stand for this! decent 9/10.

Album 634 of 1001 Weather Report - Heavy Weather (1977) Rating : 5 / 5 Some awesome jazz fusion. Enjoyed this, very much. It was a real nice listening experience and great to start the day with. Not one negative.

That was quite excellent! I had not heard of them before but I'm definitely going to be hearing a lot more of them in the future.

Peak album

Great record. "Birdland" is a cracking tune, and it carries on from that opener. Saw them in 1984, without Jaco Pastorius.

It made me cry, it made me dance, this album is an all-timer and absolutely blew me away. Best Song: A Remark you Made Worst Song: The Juggler

Jaco on bass (esp: "Teen Town") is worth the admission alone. A classic - one of our Sunday morning vinyl staples. I do love good jazz fusion and although it's not quite up to my favourites in the genre (i.e. Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, George Duke) it is infinitely more accessible. That might be a drawback for HARDCORE FUSION HEADS but there's a lot of value in an album with tight songs that's not gonna drive away your family (sometimes...). Aside from Jaco's playing, my favourite individual moments/sounds are Joe Zawinul playing the ARP synth on "Palladium." 9/10 5 stars.

Not my favourite Weather Report album, but still very good of course. Zawinul and Shorter were total geniuses.

I can't imagine what this music sounds like to normal, non bass playing, people. Do you like it?

Definitely the Weather Report album I am most familiar with. Birdland and Teen Town are absolute jazz fusion classics. I came to this album through hearing about Jaco over and over in music magazines.

Funcionou demais como trilha do café da manhã do domingo.

What a vibe! And Jaco on bass... just great.

Klassieker en met reden! Geweldige nummers, origineel, en het begin van een nieuwe vertakking in de jazz.

**Heavy Weather by Weather Report: An In-Depth Review** **Introduction** Released in 1977, *Heavy Weather* by Weather Report stands as one of the seminal albums in the jazz fusion genre. The album represents the pinnacle of the band’s creativity, blending complex jazz compositions with rock, funk, and world music elements. This review will delve into various aspects of the album, including its musical composition, lyrical content (though sparse), production quality, thematic elements, and the broader influence it had on music. Additionally, the review will assess the pros and cons of the album, providing a balanced perspective on its legacy. ### Musical Composition **Instrumentation and Arrangements** *Heavy Weather* is notable for its intricate and dynamic arrangements. The band, composed of Joe Zawinul (keyboards), Wayne Shorter (saxophone), Jaco Pastorius (bass), Alex Acuña (drums), and Manolo Badrena (percussion), delivers a performance that is both technically proficient and emotionally compelling. The opening track, “Birdland,” is perhaps the most iconic piece from the album. It’s a vibrant, energetic composition that blends jazz with a pop sensibility, making it accessible to a wider audience. The track is built around a catchy melody played by Zawinul on the synthesizer, supported by a tight rhythm section and Shorter’s saxophone lines. The use of unison lines between the bass and synthesizer, combined with complex chord structures, showcases the band’s innovative approach to jazz. “Teen Town,” composed by Pastorius, highlights his virtuosity on the bass. The track features a syncopated bassline that serves as both the rhythm and melody, a rarity in jazz music. Pastorius’ playing is fluid and melodic, demonstrating his ability to push the boundaries of the bass guitar. “Harlequin” and “A Remark You Made” offer a more introspective and lyrical side of the band. The compositions are lush and atmospheric, with Shorter’s saxophone providing a hauntingly beautiful melodic line. The interplay between Zawinul’s keyboards and Shorter’s saxophone creates a sonic landscape that is both serene and emotionally charged. **Harmonic and Rhythmic Complexity** The harmonic language of *Heavy Weather* is rooted in jazz but incorporates elements of rock and world music. Zawinul’s use of synthesizers allows for a broad palette of sounds, ranging from warm, analog tones to more abstract, electronic textures. The harmonic structures are complex, often utilizing modal scales and unconventional chord progressions. Rhythmically, the album is a marvel of syncopation and groove. Acuña and Badrena provide a percussive foundation that is both intricate and danceable. The rhythms often shift between different meters, creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement. “Rumba Mamá,” a percussion-driven track, showcases the band’s exploration of Afro-Cuban rhythms, adding to the album’s diversity. ### Lyrics and Vocal Elements *Heavy Weather* is primarily an instrumental album, which is typical of Weather Report’s style. The lack of traditional lyrics allows the music to speak for itself, with the instruments serving as the primary vehicles for expression. However, there are moments of vocalization, such as the wordless singing in “Birdland,” which adds a layer of texture to the music. The use of the human voice in an instrumental context is effective in conveying emotion and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the album. In this sense, *Heavy Weather* communicates its themes and moods through the interplay of melody, harmony, and rhythm rather than through conventional lyrical narratives. ### Production Quality **Sound Engineering and Mixing** The production quality of *Heavy Weather* is outstanding, particularly for its time. The album was produced by Zawinul and Shorter, with engineers Ron Malo and Bruce Botnick handling the technical aspects. The sound is crisp and clear, with each instrument occupying its own space in the mix. The balance between the instruments is meticulously crafted, allowing the listener to appreciate the nuances of each performance. The use of synthesizers and electronic effects is integrated seamlessly into the acoustic elements of the band. Zawinul’s keyboards, which range from Rhodes pianos to cutting-edge synthesizers, are given a prominent place in the mix without overwhelming the other instruments. The bass is warm and punchy, providing a solid foundation for the music while also being able to stand out when necessary, as in “Teen Town.” **Innovative Recording Techniques** One of the notable aspects of the album’s production is the innovative use of recording techniques. For example, the layering of multiple keyboard tracks in “Birdland” creates a dense and rich sonic texture. The use of reverb and delay on Shorter’s saxophone adds a sense of space and depth, giving the music an almost ethereal quality. The production also captures the energy and spontaneity of the band’s performance. There is a live, organic feel to the album, which is a testament to the skill of the musicians and the production team. The recording techniques employed on *Heavy Weather* were ahead of their time, contributing to the album’s status as a landmark in jazz fusion. ### Themes and Concepts **Exploration and Innovation** Thematically, *Heavy Weather* is an exploration of musical boundaries. The album does not adhere to a single genre or style; instead, it blends elements from various musical traditions to create something entirely new. This sense of exploration is reflected in the album’s compositions, which are adventurous and unconventional. The title *Heavy Weather* itself suggests a journey through different musical landscapes, each with its own mood and atmosphere. The album can be seen as a reflection of the turbulent and dynamic nature of the 1970s, a time of significant social and cultural change. The music is both a product of its time and a timeless expression of artistic creativity. **Emotional Depth and Atmosphere** While *Heavy Weather* is often celebrated for its technical brilliance, it is also a deeply emotional album. Tracks like “A Remark You Made” convey a sense of melancholy and introspection, while “Birdland” exudes joy and exuberance. The emotional depth of the album is achieved through the expressive playing of the musicians and the rich harmonic language of the compositions. The atmospheric quality of the music is another key theme. The album creates a sense of space and environment, drawing the listener into its world. Whether it’s the bustling energy of “Birdland” or the serene beauty of “Harlequin,” *Heavy Weather* is an album that engages the listener’s imagination and emotions. ### Influence and Legacy **Impact on Jazz and Popular Music** *Heavy Weather* is one of the most influential albums in the jazz fusion genre. Its success helped to popularize jazz fusion, bringing the genre to a wider audience. The album’s blend of jazz, rock, and world music elements has had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of musicians. The track “Birdland” has become a standard in both jazz and popular music. Its catchy melody and accessible structure have made it a favorite among musicians and listeners alike. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Manhattan Transfer, who won a Grammy Award for their vocal arrangement of the tune. **Influence on Musicians and Genres** Jaco Pastorius’ innovative bass playing on *Heavy Weather* has been particularly influential. His use of harmonics, fretless bass, and melodic playing style has inspired countless bassists across various genres. Pastorius’ work on the album is considered a benchmark for electric bass playing, and his influence can be heard in the music of artists ranging from Marcus Miller to Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The album’s fusion of different musical styles has also influenced the development of other genres, such as progressive rock and electronic music. Bands like King Crimson and Genesis incorporated elements of jazz fusion into their music, while electronic artists have drawn inspiration from the album’s use of synthesizers and production techniques. ### Pros and Cons **Pros** 1. **Musical Brilliance**: *Heavy Weather* showcases the extraordinary musicianship of Weather Report. The compositions are complex and innovative, yet accessible and engaging. 2. **Production Quality**: The album’s production is top-notch, with a clear and balanced mix that highlights the nuances of each instrument. The use of innovative recording techniques adds depth and texture to the music. 3. **Influence**: The album has had a profound impact on jazz fusion and beyond, influencing musicians across various genres. 4. **Emotional and Atmospheric Depth**: The album is not just technically impressive but also emotionally resonant, offering a rich and immersive listening experience. 5. **Iconic Tracks**: Tracks like “Birdland” and “Teen Town” have become iconic in their own right, celebrated for their composition and performance. **Cons** 1. **Accessibility**: While *Heavy Weather* is more accessible than some of Weather Report’s earlier work, its complexity may still be challenging for listeners unfamiliar with jazz fusion. The album demands active listening and may not appeal to those seeking more straightforward music. 2. **Lack of Lyrics**: The absence of traditional lyrics may be a drawback for some listeners who prefer vocal-driven music. The album relies entirely on instrumental expression, which may not resonate with everyone. 3. **Consistency in Innovation**: Some critics argue that the album, while innovative, doesn’t consistently push the boundaries of jazz fusion throughout all its tracks. While tracks like “Birdland” are groundbreaking, others like “The Juggler” may seem less adventurous. ### Conclusion *Heavy Weather* by Weather Report is a landmark album in the history of jazz fusion. Its blend of complex compositions, virtuosic performances, and innovative production techniques has earned it a place among the greatest jazz albums of all time. The album’s influence can be seen in the work of countless musicians across various genres, and its tracks continue to be celebrated for their creativity and emotional depth. While the album may present challenges for some listeners due to its complexity and lack of conventional lyrics , these aspects are also what make it a rewarding and enduring piece of art. *Heavy Weather* remains a testament to the power of musical exploration and the ability of artists to transcend the boundaries of genre. Whether you are a seasoned jazz aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, *Heavy Weather* offers a rich and compelling listening experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

very warm and perky fusion jazz music that has a fair share of bossa and latin pop influence. heavy weather is a great title, i feel like this album literally sounds like this big.... windy storm, but if said storm had a dozen musicians just circling around and around. these basslines especially drive me crazy in the best way. there's just something so engaging about a lot of fusion albums, even if the songs were written with such thought and complexity, the average listener still has a positive mood and usually can always imagine every band member just smiling and having a grand ol' time. it's what makes these albums, including this one special.

This is a 5 for me. Fusion w great songwriting and always keeps me on my toes. The bass solo in havona 🤯

What an incredible album! I'm not sure how I missed out on these guys during my prime jazz listening day, but that's fully rectified now. This is the type of jazz you should show your friends to get them into jazz. Soulful, tons of swing, extremely connected units. This is also a beautiful album cover that is going to look fantastic in my record collection. Loved this. Favorite track: Birdland

This album is great. Jaco Pastorius was one of the greatest bassists to live. Teen Town is a jazz classic, Birdland is also a great song off this album. I also enjoyed Palladium and Havona. Great album

A jazz album I actually love! Mostly due to the bass guitar being front and center for a lot of the album, gives it a different feel.

One word: Jaco Liked songs added: - Birdland - Teen Town - Havona

I LOVED this one. Love me some jazz with a good vibe to it, and this one hit the nail on the head for me. Definitely will be adding to my vinyl collection when possible.

Smooth, relaxed, amazing 70’s jazz. Birdland alone makes the album, but the rest of the tracks were filled with awesome and diverse jazz movements. Worth multiple listens.

I liked it a lot. To bass players, Jaco is as iconic as Jimi Hendrix is to guitarists. However to some, being a legendary bass player is about as impressive as being a legendary dentist. I thought it was a really interesting album and packed a lot into just 37 mins.

you already gave me this shit motherfucker c'mon

I LOVE new age jazz so much man its so good. a remark you made has to be one of my all time favourite songs its so cool in a heyo daddio kind of way. like im smoking a cigarette rn as i walk down the street as the sun sets i love it i love it i love it

I was convinced that I'd like this going in, and my opinion hasn't changed. It's a little "out there" so this album probably isn't great for ad hoc listening, but this is definitely a groove I can dig.

jesus when you know you know thank god for jazz where is the vinyl

One of my favorite jazz albums

When all the other 70’s music got to be soooo stupid, there was always great jazz from Weather Report. Never disappointed.

Another favorite from 40 years ago. Highly produced and commercial, every song is memorable 5 stars

Weather Report is a classic jazz staple and this album is no exception to that. Five stars, no notes, perfection

anything with jaco is an instant 5 star

Top!

Angenehme Hintergrundmusik

Great album. One of my favourite jazz albums. As a bass player in a life far, far away, Jaco was always an inspiration. His playing on Teen Town still floors me. The musicianship is top notch. 5 star classic.

Jazz - 1977

Absolute firecracker of an album. Starts out hot as a fireball and quickly switches to a cooler tempo with A Remark You Made and then builds and builds back up to super hot fire before ending with Havona. The Orioles need to get the rights to Birdland and make an 80s themed hype video using it and use it around the ballpark to get the fans jazzed up. This album is incredible. Every instrument had time to shine and took full advantage of the spotlight. The drummer deserves a special accolade because that man kept driving the beat without a single hesitation or slip up.

Album Art 10/10 that is one of the most unique covers I have ever seen I want that to be the art on the deck of my next snowboard. The sounds like the Local on the 7s from the Weather Channel back in the 90s but on steroids. Jazz fusion may be my new favorite genre of music. Any album that is so enjoyable with only instrumentals will always be a 5 star for me.

Fretless bass sounds like a wet fart. But a good one. Hypnotic. RIP Jaco ❤️

Very good jazz fusion. Easy and fun listening to this. Good performances as well. Very cool! Will come back to this.

HOOOOOOOO BABY THIS IS FIRE. I didnt even realize this was Jaco until the 2nd or 3rd listen. Absolute classic and will be returning to this many times in the future

Finally, something that is truly brand new to me! I really enjoyed this, will listen to more by Weather Report. It's just good vibes.

Classic Jazz nice!!!!!!!

Have never heard of this one, feels jazzy, but with a heavy-handed 70's classic rock backing. Interesting for sure but I don't think im a personal fan of this genre, let's see. This first track has an extremely hopeful feel to it, is actually putting me into a happier mood, rare for music to create that emotion for me. Similar to the Cowboy Bebop OST. I actually like this album A LOT. This is most likely the first album I've never heard of before that I give a 5 rating. There's a slightly excessive use of bongos, I'd like to hear more variation in the choices of secondary percussion. Still, the level of layering on most of these songs is absolutely incredible. Very tight compositions here.

Not bad was pretty impressed.

Love Birdland.

Good

one of my favorite fusion albums — a masterpiece from beginning to end - 10/10

Hell yeah. Havona slaps 4.5/5

Jazz had been led astray by the mid to late 1970s. So many sub-genres had popped up, lending itself to curiosity and dissension and many of the genre's luminaries were either fusing themselves to the changing times, clinging on hopelessly to past primes or were long dead/approaching death. Clearly, jazz was in need of a weather report. While the group itself were not new and most of the members were veterans of the scene, it is no stretch to consider Heavy Weather to be a great first album to get in touch with the band's stylings. An appropriate mixture of what was past and then-present, Heavy Weather neither offends nor becomes pretentious, becoming one of the best representatives of post-fusion jazz in the process. There is plenty to like and plenty to get ahold of in either the standard album or the expanded version (the added on live tracks are no nuisance) and the curious minded would not have a problem with Heavy Weather if they give it the time it richly deserves. P. S. the album cover kicks ass.

YESSSSS! JACO!!!!! Every song on here is beautiful and I love this mess. Teen Town kills it. Havona is so good. Damn this album is just so tight.

This album is legendary. I love every second of it for years now. Thank you for giving me this album today. It will be a nice re-listening.

Okay, this is cooool. Obvious five stars for atmospheric instrumental jazz with just enough synth to keep you on your toes.

Более электронный джаз, который довольно бойко и круто влетает в тебя

А почему мы вдруг резко решили уйти от альтернативы и тяжеляка, причём так кардинально? Неужто скучные альбомы кончились?)) У меня ещё на первом треке кажется случился снос башни. Звучит как что-то среднее между аниме-опенингом, песни из интро к шоу Леттермана и заставки программы Время (Время вперёд, короче). Так быстро, стремительно, эклектично пронеслись эти 6 минут. Но остальные треки как-то поскучнее оказались. Зато там есть потрясные соляки на безладовом басе! Это прям мммм, аааа, конфетка. Да и просто фоном он звучит офигенно, в Harlequin, например. Так, середина. Что такое Rumba Mama? Это кто-то на диктофон записывал каких-то латиносов, или что?)) Как-то странно... И немного не туда. Но как разгрузка в середине альбома - чётко. Если подводить итог, то в целом альбом классный. Его не стыдно включить на виниле на домашней тусе, можно смело добавить пару треков в повседневный плейлист. Много разных жанров намешано. К концу вообще в какой-то спейс джаз ушло, ну или что-то подобное. Прикольно, неожиданно. Если ругать за что-то - только если за какую-то странную румбу. Не из этой оперы вообще, глубинный смысл не понят.

a Weather Report classic

This was my first introduction to Jaco Pastorius. I love this album. This is an important recording due to it's commercial success and many folks intro into fusion jazz. It contains elements of jazz, latin, rock, and soul music. I definitely have a sentimental connection to this album and have listened to it many time since my introduction in the early '80s. I listen to this as great musicians interacting with each other and no one artist is better than the next.

Great album. Cool grooves. Didn't know what to expect. Every song puts you in a good mood. Can't wait to see what the rest of my group thinks about this.

I consider A Remark You Made one of the greatest compositions ever.

HUGE FAN. I loved the jazz/rock fusion. Absolutely amazing album. 10/10.

Wow! What a nice surplice. This was excellent. I see why they call the genre 'fusion.' Jazzy and funky and kinda perfect for early mornings. Will definitely return to this quite a bit.

A jazz fusion classic. Jaco Pastorious is so good, such a unique bass sound. Of course « Birdland » is a true masterpiece in itself but the whole album is really good.

Surprisingly good, has Supertramp vibes with the wide use of instruments Instrumental + , jazz, so good, I love it!!