This album seems to focus on Shorter the composer a bit more than as soloist. The compositions are finely-crafted, and very detailed. Shorter certainly answers one question here: Who is the best soprano saxophonist on the planet? This album will leave little doubt as to the answer. My personal favorite is "When You Dream", its like a big band arrangement for voices and multiple saxophones....very engaging and memorable!
"Atlantis", Wayne Shorter's remarkable album, showcases Shorter's writing, arranging and composing. Wayne develops singable melodies and cleverly arranges them with saxophone ensemble passages (Wayne plays all of the saxes, including baritone). All of the compositions are well arranged, yet the standouts are easily (at least to one set of ears) "The Last Silk Hat" & "When You Dream", which features a youth choir. Every listener, would-be arranger and composer should have this album in their collection!!!
Having lived with this music for years it holds up and improves with age. The return from repeated listenings is immeasurable.
