Weather Report: Jazzy with a Chance of Lyrics
Kurt Elling and Peter Erskine
Two-time Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling is known for his singular blend of robust swing, poetic insight, and vocal ingenuity. On Friday, April 11, he brings his one-of-a-kind artistry to the Michigan Theater for a special performance celebrating Weather Report, one of jazz fusion’s most influential supergroups.
Joining Elling for this electrifying tribute is drummer and Weather Report alumnus Peter Erskine, whose dynamic contributions helped define the band’s sound during its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Together, they will explore Weather Report’s groundbreaking catalog, reinterpreting its most iconic compositions with fresh arrangements and Elling’s distinctive lyrical approach.
The Legacy of Weather Report
An early iteration of Weather Report featured on their first vinyl artwork: Alphonse Mouzon, Joe Zawinul, Miroslav Vitouš, Wayne Shorter, and Airto Moreira
While often labeled as a jazz fusion band, Weather Report defied easy categorization. DownBeat magazine described their debut album as “music beyond category,” a sentiment that continued throughout their 16-year career.
Formed in 1970 by Austrian keyboardist Joe Zawinul and American saxophonist Wayne Shorter, along with Czech bassist Miroslav Vitouš—each of whom had worked with Miles Davis—Weather Report pushed the boundaries of jazz. The band’s pioneering fusion style wove together elements of funk, rock, R&B, and global folk traditions, crafting an electrifying sound that transcended genres.
“The rock and roll energy coupled with the incredible intellectual and compositional abilities of the band—that’s a very potent thing to come across in the 1970s.” – Kurt Elling
Over the years, Weather Report evolved through various lineups, featuring luminaries like bassists Jaco Pastorius and Alphonso Johnson, drummers Alphonse Mouzon, Chester Thompson, and Peter Erskine, and percussionists Airto Moreira and Alex Acuña. Their biggest commercial success came in 1977 with Heavy Weather, which featured their signature hit, “Birdland.”
A New Take on Timeless Classics
Elling’s tribute to Weather Report will reimagine classics such as “A Remark You Made,” “Three Views of a Secret,” and “Continuum,” breathing new life into these masterpieces with his evocative storytelling and intricate vocal interpretations.
“When someone asks me to do a Weather Report-themed project, I usually shy away from it. But with Kurt, it was an easy decision. He’s a brilliant singer—his pitch, chops, and storytelling are extraordinary.” – Peter Erskine
Elling’s approach to reinterpreting Weather Report’s music is deeply rooted in respect and creativity. By listening intently to the original compositions and channeling the composer’s intent, he crafts lyrics that honor the spirit of the music while adding his own artistic perspective.
“Well, Wayne Shorter has inspired untold numbers of people over the years. I feel particularly privileged to have been given his permission and blessing to write lyrics to some of his compositions.” – Kurt Elling
Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter
A Unique Concert Experience in Ann Arbor
With Erskine’s firsthand experience in Weather Report and Elling’s unparalleled vocal prowess, this concert promises to be a singular exploration of jazz fusion’s golden era. Join UMS at the Michigan Theater on April 11 for an unforgettable night of musical innovation and celebration, and a rare opportunity to experience these legendary compositions in a completely new way.
“He is doing a combination of scat and lyrics and I can tell you he’s written some incredible lyrics. What he’s chosen to do is also inspired and not just the obvious choices. It’s a brilliant choice of material… I also think it’s fun for people to hear me play this music again because I’m the last man standing from the quartet version of Weather Report. It’s also different enough that it warrants being done.” – Peter Erskine
Weather Report: Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Peter Erskine and Jaco Pastorius
