The Language of the Unknown: A Film About the Wayne Shorter Quartet

Saxophone player Wayne Shorter, who got his start playing with Art Blakely and Miles Davis, takes center stage in Guido Lukoschek's documentary The Language of the Unknown. The Blue Note Recording artist—now a soft-spoken 81-year-old—is seen in interview clips that are combined with excerpts from a live performance in Paris. Pianist Herbie Hancock, who played with Shorter in Miles Davis's second quintet, says he considered Shorter a hero even before they met due to the adventurousness of his recorded work. Brian Blade, who plays drums in Shorter's quartet, points out specific recordings that made an impression, such as Miles Davis's Live at the Plugged Nickel. Shorter's current wife, Carolina, mentions the death of Shorter's second wife, Ana Maria (in the TWA Flight 800 tragedy). A longtime Buddhist, Shorter vowed to honor her memory by becoming a happier man. Shorter attributes the success of his current combo, which includes pianist Danilo Pérez and bassist John Patitucci, to their ability to work together as a group rather than as individual players angling for attention. Also included here is the 93-minute 2012 Paris concert presented in a set that easily lives up to Shorter's democratic philosophy, since his sidemen function as equals more than supporting players. It's a fine performance all around, with the subtle and surprising “She Moves Through the Fair” a definite highlight. Presented in PCM stereo on DVD and Blu-ray, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)