Weather Report / France 07.18.1984 FM Broadcast Edition

This highly coveted release marks the first time a crystal-clear recording—originally broadcast on local FM radio—of their performance at the prestigious Antibes Jazz Festival has been made available. It captures the “final” Weather Report lineup—revitalized with fresh blood in the form of Victor Bailey, José Rossy, and Mino Cinelu—delivering a superb, high-fidelity performance that surpasses the era of the legendary Jaco Pastorius and Peter Erskine. From the opening, the sheer intensity is overwhelming; the newly joined drumming phenomenon Omar Hakim unleashes a barrage of complex, high-energy beats while Bailey’s growling fretless bass drives the rhythm relentlessly. Wayne Shorter, clearly inspired by these young virtuosos, unleashes a fierce, fiery, and impassioned solo that is nothing short of breathtaking. The set moves into “Two Lines,” a masterpiece defined by its driving momentum and infectious swing. This track showcases the true essence of live Weather Report, featuring a musical battle between Shorter, Hakim, and Bailey, alongside an astonishingly technical solo by Bailey that rivals—or even surpasses—Jaco in his prime. With Zawinul and Shorter playing with razor-sharp precision throughout, this is a definitive performance that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the final Weather Report lineup. Live at Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, France – July 18, 1984. 1. Corner Pocket 2. French DJ 3. Swamp Cabbage 4. Two Lines. Joe Zawinul (keyboards), Wayne Shorter (soprano & tenor sax), Victor Bailey (bass), Omar Hakim (drums), Mino Cinelu (percussion).