Another Week Another Vinyl: Weather Report: Heavy Weather & Herbie Hancock Thrust

Right here we have two jazztastic albums from two of the most legendary fusion artists. On one hand we have the upbeat futuristic jazz/funk master Herbie Hancock. On the other hand we have the fusion virtuosos of the Weather Report. Both albums are legendary in their respected genre, and have recently been re-released on 180 gram vinyl. Both albums feature that wonderful warm and crisp sound you would come to expect from vinyl.

With the Weather Report’s Heavy Weather, we get a relaxed and cool album headlined by the popular track "Birdland". "A Remark You Made" is another great song marked by its soft and sentimental sound. While all of the individuals in the line-up are incredibly talented, the most unbelievable work comes from bassist Jaco Pastorius, who lays down some meaty bass lines.

Then there is Hancock’s Thrust, and man is this a delicious album! I was very skeptical of this album before I had heard it. I’ve heard Hancock’s famous single "Rock It" many times, but I always found it annoying. So getting myself to listen to this album was almost a chore. When I spun the record for the very first time I was amazed by how good it was. All the apprehension flew out the door so quickly after hearing the opening track "Palm Grease", and from there until the very end I was marveling at the quality of music.

These are two masterful jazz fusion albums which are certainly worthy of being re-released on 180 gram vinyl.