Wayne Shorter

Really does feel like an end of an era. When you think of all the greats who he played with and there aren't too many left. First album i bought of his was Native Dancer when i was about 14 (about 15 years after it was released) and i will be playing that along with many others over the next few days. What a career.

Herbie Hancock: “ Wayne Shorter, my best friend, left us with courage in his heart, love and compassion for all, and a seeking spirit for the eternal future. He was ready for his rebirth. As it is with every human being, he is irreplaceable and was able to reach the pinnacle of excellence as a saxophonist, composer, orchestrator, and recently, composer of the masterful opera “…Iphigenia “ I miss being around him and his special Wayne-isms but I carry his spirit within my heart always.“

Leroy Burgess: “WAYNE SHORTER: JOURNEY INTO INFINITY.
When describing where my musical inspiration comes from, I always surprise my interviewer by saying JAZZ.
It's an unexpected answer, given that the genres I'm most known for are R&B and Dance. But Jazz has always been the hidden, almost-insidiously disguised element I'd add into my composing and arranging. You'd glimpse it in passages from "Over Like A Fat Rat" and "Let's Do It"... but only if you're listening closely enough.
A lot of that comes from listening to and studying Wayne.
You see, he developed a style that was unique and singular... in that, he'd always look to the notes that DIDN'T belong in any traditional scale in his improvisations.. and make them work. In doing so, his solos would always leave seasoned musicians scratching their heads ("How the hell did he make that work?").. and coming back for more. I deeply admired this ability of outside-the-box thinking.
As I write this, my memory is replaying his solo from Steely Dan's "Aja" and marveling yet again at the complexity of his simplicity. No other soloist thought in these terms since the days of Coltrane and Miles. Ideas like this simply AREN'T DONE in popular music. That's why I do them. Wayne showed me the way.
As his Spirit ascends to join those of Miles, John and all of the Saints in GOD'S Jazz Orchestra.. I can only imagine the magic they'll create in the KINGDOM. Too bad nobody's recording it.
PLAY ON, KING WAYNE... PLAY ON.
And thank you.”

Brian Jackson: “It might not be evident, but so much of who I am is tied to the life of this genius.
The pain in my heart right now doesn't allow me yet to say the things I need to say about how much I adored him. “

Gilles Peterson: “My first ever BBC interview at 22 was Wayne Shorter —— the record label gave me 20 minutes but he gave me 2 hours… I was young and at the very start of my journey - he spoke no evil , just love ….kindest , most patient and most generous … he gave me wings… he was the phantom navigator who wrote the greatest jazz pieces….RIP”

Billy Harper: “Wayne Shorter was a seeker, a herald of truth for the jazz community. "Shorter" was one of the "longer" expressions of truth in our music, carrying tons of creativity in his writing and playing. May He Rest In Heavenly Music with Trane and Miles...”

Al di Meola: “Rest In Peace, Wayne Shorter. I really loved talking with Wayne after every show backstage when Weather Report ( Heavy Weather) and my group ( Elegant Gypsy tour) went out in a double bill in 1978. Could never tell if Wayne was talking some deep shit or some spaced out genius stuff! Anyway he spoke often like he played ! In short bursts:) ! One of the God like giants leaves us! Thanks for the legacy Wayne! He will be sorely missed!”

Charles Lloyd: “It has been a deeply sad morning to learn that my brother and fellow explorer of the Inner and Outer Universe, Wayne Shorter has left town. The Maestro was a visionary, a great composer, and a friend with whom I shared a love for the Eternal Now. We met in Los Angeles when he was playing with Art Blakey in the late 1950s and I was a student at USC. Later, when I joined Cannonball Adderley in 1964/65 he was with Miles and we often met up on the road. One afternoon, when our bands were in LA at the same time, he came to our hotel ( the Vine Lodge in Hollywood) with his saxophone. We went into a room and played free for a couple of hours with the great Sam Jones, and Louis Hayes. Over the years our paths crossed many times in recording studios and on tour - or in my home town Santa Barbara. Deep discussions about time and space and love always followed. Wayne elevated the art form of sound as only he could. I loved him straight through - he was a deep Spirit on a human journey and he blessed the Planet, all of the Solar Systems and Beyond.
Deep condolences to Carlolina and his family. Barche Lamsel -
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi”