As many of you know – I am a huge Wayne Shorter fan. While his technique and tone are rock solid – his compositions and improvisation are what makes me buy anything with his name on it. “The Soothsayer” is an example of those two reasons. The sextet includes Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, James Spaulding on alto, Ron Carter on bass, McCoy Tyner on piano and a 19 year old Tony Williams on drums.

All of the cuts on this CD are great but I have my favorites. “Lost” is a haunting tune that could have easily found its way on the “Speak No Evil” CD recorded earlier. The horn arrangement is so rich that I found myself playing the head over and over again. There are two cuts of “Angola” and it is interesting to hear the different approaches to the tune on each take. “Valse Triste” was apparently taken from a classical tune composed by Jean Sigelius. I have never heard it before but the group’s treatment of it compels me to do the research and check it out. On “Lady Day” Wayne pays homage to the great Billie Holiday. As with most of his ballads – I find it very moving and his playing is inspired. He uses Freddie and James to fill in some really nice background accompaniment. McCoy Tyner also plays a nice solo on that piece. Freddie shines on “The Big Push,” weaving an exciting solo that is full of energy and a demonstration of his prowess on the horn.

While “Speak No Evil” remains my favorite Wayne Shorter CD – “Soothsayer” is a great example of his talents as a writer and arranger. Pick this one up and judge for yourself.