Just read about this a few minutes ago, that in fact, jazz pianist/keyboardist/composer Joe Zawinul has passed away after a relatively brief undisclosed illness at the age of 75. He checked himself into a hospital in Vienna (The Willhimena Clinic) after completing a European tour in early August.
Zawinul was born in Austria in a small village and grew up right in the middle of WWII's horrors. He would relate stories of, among other things, stealing food from German soldiers to help his family. His musical journey began with accordion and then to piano which is where he settled. He studied at the Vienna Conservatory and was befriended by classical pianist Friedrich Gulda. The young Zawinul developed a real love of jazz and in 1959, emigrated to the U.S to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Along the way, he played with greats like trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, singer Dinah Washington and then a high profile gig with saxophonist Cannonball Adderley. In the late 60's, Miles Davis got wind of this amazing young pianist from Austria and had him record with him on the landmark "In A Silent Way" in 1969. Zawinul's stay with Miles was relatively brief (1969-70) but it provided him with an important outlet for his evolving compositional style and put him together with saxophonist Wayne Shorter, and they in turn formed the dynamic, ever evolving Weather Report in 1970.
Zawinul had a very unique approach to playing, rather than trying to dazzle you with displays of chops (though he had technical facility to match anyone's), Zawinul would create bursts of melody and color and leave lots of breathing room between. His musical palette by Weather Report's formation had grown to include jazz, classical elements, blues, R&B and many strains of African musics, a dizzying variety that would serve him well in years to come. With Weather Report, Zawinul, along with his band mates relished the concept of collective improvisation, that is EVERYONE improvising together from a theme but NOT soloing (BIG difference), it was miraculous to hear this in action, the beauty of it was, you couldn't tell what parts were written or improvised, music making of a VERY high order and intelligence.
Just before Weather Report got going, Zawinul had released a several solo discs, "Rise and Fall Of The Third Stream", "Money In The Pocket, "Concerto Retitled" and "Zawinul"
Among his many accomplishments were bringing electric keyboards in the jazz realm in a huge way, especially synthesisers. Zawinul really dug deep and found ways to make a purely electronic instrument expressive as anything. In 1986, Weather Report came to an end, Zawinul then pursued other avenues, one , an all keyboard album called "Dialects" and then forming his own band The Zawinul Syndicate which toured and recorded prolifically, and featured amazing talent from all corners of the globe. Up until his health declined in August, Zawinul stayed incredibly active on many fronts.
A true original and innovator, they just don;t make 'em like Joe Zawinul anymore. This Owl definitely misses you and thanks you for all your amazing creativity and vision, not to mention your genuine blunt honesty. RIP
An intersting and revealing interview with Zawinul from 2003 HERE
The Wikipedia Entry
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