8:30

I saw Weather Report in two concerts to promote the album that featured three sides recorded live and one side of studio work. It was at a point where the band was at its commercial height, but not letting the burden of popularity weigh the group down (that was to come later when Joe Zawinul sacked Jaco Pastorius, as the great bassist began to succumb to his personal demons).The live cuts highlight the music that many "new" fans expected; Black Market, Teen Town and Birdland. The band delivered their most famous songs, along with other selections and ample solo space, in concerts lasting more than two hours & typically starting at.....you guessed it, 8:30 pm.The album cover aptly depicted the variety of fans Weather Report was drawing. It was one of the last jazz groups to truly break through the labels that plagued the music industry then and are still around today.The live lineup of Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Pastorius and Peter Erskine is perhaps the best known among casual and hardcore fans alike. The studio side features Zawinul's son, Erich, on percussion.The album is a good sample of what made Weather Report great and I highly recommend it to those who want the "big picture" before delving into the outstanding studio-only releases.

Great band and a great concert. I saw them that year at Berkeley Community Theatre. What a quartet! Jazz & Rock Fusion and the best example.Zawinul, Shorter, Erskine and Pastorius. Incredible. Creative, musical, powerful. Check out youtube of Slang by Jaco. Revolutionary for the time. Good Times!

best report you will ever get

I was skeptical at first because I already own most of the material on the original albums. But these guys these guys put new spins on each of them making keeping them fresh and interesting. And it sounds like they had a lot fun doing it, it comes through in the performances which makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

If you only buy 1 jazz fusion CD. Buy this one!! The best jazz fusion band at the top of their game. Zawinul & Shorter have great solos. Pastorius is solid as always as is Erskine on drums. You'll hear why Jaco Pastorius is recognized as the best bass player period.

Live tracks from multiple venues presents best possible recorded songs and preserves live feeling.

I absolutely love this album. Have been listening to this album for years and finally got around to getting the CD, One song (forget which at the moment) was left off to make it fit on 1 CD - explained in album notes. Would suggest to anyone into Jazz Fusion.

Excellent listening experience from these jazz musicians... Great imaginary landscapes...