Wayne Shorter

Between working with Miles Davis and Art Blakey in jazz and Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell in pop, saxophonist Wayne Shorter has covered a lot of ground over the course of his career. And there's good reason why so many have come calling on him over the years — whereas others are content to recycle what's expected, Shorter remains one of the few saxophonists who continues to explore the timbre and tonal colors of his instrument. Though daring melodically, he's capable of both straight chordal explorations and wild harmonic gestures outside the changes. Shorter is a bandleader known for surrounding himself with the best and brightest, and current creative compatriots Danilo Perez (piano), John Patitucci (bass) and Brian Blade (drums) are established veterans in their own right. Considering that pedigree is everything in jazz, it's little surprise to see these soloists turn sidemen, especially when a giant like Shorter comes calling.