Wayne Shorter, a legendary jazz musician, is the subject of the new Prime Video docuseries titled “Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity.” Directed by Dorsay Alavi, the series delves into the life and career of Shorter, focusing not only on his biography but also on his emotions, creativity, and faith. The series is divided into three episodes called “portals,” which pays homage to Shorter’s Buddhist beliefs and his love for sci-fi and fantasy. The docuseries, which premieres on August 25th, on what would have been Shorter’s 90th birthday, beautifully captures the magnitude of Shorter’s musicianship as well as his playful and nonconformist nature.
Alavi, who first filmed Shorter in 2002 during his tour, utilizes a mix of traditional documentary techniques and unconventional methods to tell his story. Through line-drawing illustrations and black-and-white reenactments, Alavi brings Shorter’s childhood memories to life on screen. The use of lotus blossoms and trippy New Age abstractions further emphasizes the spiritual focus and expansiveness of Shorter’s music. While some of Alavi’s choices may seem self-conscious or too literal at times, they overall align with Shorter’s artistic approach to life.
One of the highlights of the docuseries is the inclusion of musicians as talking heads. When musicians speak about another musician who inspires them, they communicate in a language that is both grounded and elevated. In this case, the musicians are speaking about the incomparable virtuoso, Wayne Shorter. Some of these esteemed musicians include Joni Mitchell, Sonny Rollins, Ron Carter, Carlos Santana, and Shorter’s close friend and collaborator, Herbie Hancock. The inclusion of these musicians adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, providing insight into Shorter’s impact on the jazz community.
The series explores Shorter’s early years in Newark, where he and his brother Alan, known as the duo Doc Strange and Mr. Weird, would reenact movies they had seen, not only reciting the dialogue but also recreating the music scores from memory. Shorter’s love for movies ranges from the highbrow classic “The Red Shoes” to the low-budget cult film “The Giant Spider Invasion,” showcasing his intriguingly cryptic taste. These childhood scenes portrayed by actors evoke a sense of sweetness and connection that resonates throughout the series, especially in vérité sequences of Shorter and Hancock collaborating on music.
Related Post
Shorter’s career in jazz took off when he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers as a young musician. Despite Blakey’s objections, Shorter was eventually lured away by Miles Davis and became a pivotal member of his Second Great Quintet. In 1970, Shorter co-founded the groundbreaking fusion group, Weather Report, alongside Joe Zawinul and Miroslav Vitous, taking jazz-rock fusion to new heights. Throughout his career, Shorter continued to explore and experiment, collaborating with various artists, including Joni Mitchell. Despite his immense talent and contributions to music, Shorter was often overshadowed by more flashy performers, like Jaco Pastorius, his bandmate in Weather Report. However, Davis recognized Shorter’s potential and advised him to claim the spotlight, encouraging him to step forward and be recognized.
The series also delves into Shorter’s personal life, exploring the joys, challenges, and losses he experienced. It touches on his marriages, fatherhood, divorces, and the health struggles of his daughter, Iska. The film handles these topics with sensitivity, highlighting the strength and resilience of both Shorter and his wife, Ana Maria. Despite the constant emergencies caused by his daughter’s seizures while on tour, Shorter’s love transcends possessiveness, and the story of how his third wife, Carolina, came into his life is portrayed with tenderness and vibrancy.
The final episode captures Shorter in his later years, where he interacts with young fans and entertains visitors in his “fun room” home office filled with fantasy figurines. While these interactions may sometimes detract from the narrative, they showcase the enduring spirit and curiosity of Shorter. The performances throughout the series are edited with a rhythmic connection to the music, emphasizing the beauty and innovation of Shorter’s work. A standout performance is his rendition of “Gaia” with co-writer Esperanza Spalding, which showcases his powerful saxophone playing alongside Spalding’s mesmerizing vocals and bass.
While there are many aspects of Shorter’s life and career that are not explored in “Zero Gravity,” the series finds a cohesive throughline that captures Shorter’s unique blend of childlike vitality and serious talent. His ability to play fast and deep, as noted by Santana, sets him apart from other musicians. Mitchell highlights Shorter’s ability to conceive music as a multisensory experience, allowing him to immerse himself fully in the music, embracing the unknown and exploring new realms.
In conclusion, “Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity” is a docuseries that not only celebrates the life and career of Wayne Shorter but also delves into the emotions, creativity, and faith that fueled his music. Through innovative storytelling techniques and interviews with esteemed musicians, the series brings to life the magnitude of Shorter’s musicianship and his contribution to jazz. It captures his playful and nonconformist nature while also honoring his unwavering dedication to his craft. “Zero Gravity” is a testament to the enduring legacy of Wayne Shorter, an artist who defied convention and embraced the unknown, taking audiences on a transcendent musical journey.
