The Mesmerizing Harmony of Wayne Shorter 

There is something uplifting about how the legacy of jazz musicians is so prone to being reinterpreted, recontextualized and just keeps on evolving long after they're gone. It seems fitting that music made by such forward-thinking musicians would never stagnate and instead go on to inspire next generations

I'm always blown away by how many relevant historical clips you're able to pull into these videos. Makes me realize how tiny an iceberg tip I really know about jazz history.

I mean, he DID compose "Elegant People" AND "Palladium". The man was an absolute boss and will be greatly and sorely missed. R.I.P., Wayne.

I was privileged enough to get to befriend Wayne in the last months of his life, and he had a beautiful unconquerable spirit. Got to listen to his albums with him telling me the stories behind the songs... such a fond memory. Thank you for this beautiful video and homage Adam!

What a beautiful tribute to Wayne via your love and passion for Infant Eyes, and your non-intrusive non-magic-destroying analysis. A pleasure.

The way I screamed LEGITIMIZES

I love Adam's slow, relaxed pace of speech on this video. No rushing makes it more enjoyable.

Wayne Shorter was my favorite jazz composer of all time. I was so heart broken when he passed. Thank you so much for making such a wonderful video to celebrate the magic of his music

Bravo Adam.... I knew Wayne personally and he was always a beautiful mystery. I never heard him have a "normal" kind of conversation. All that he said always seemed as if you were talking to a visitor from a higher planet. And he wrote and played music.... and lived the same way. Herbie is like that as well. We are blessed to have been visited by them both. And as Herbie says of Wayne ... "he's not Dead... he's just away on tour". Once again he makes me smile.

Rest in peace Chief genuinely each time I see something related to shorter now i just wanna cry. He deserves the best place in heaven.

The album Speak No Evil has long been my favourite jazz album. It's a huge part of why I decided to study jazz over contemporary piano. This was such a great analysis of one of its best tracks. Thank you Adam 🙏 Rest in Perpetuity, Wayne ❤️

The best kind of music, I think, is the kind that you can't quite explain but you can feel exactly what it intends to do.

I have three jazz musicians I always return to: Shorter, Mingus and Ornette. They are very different from each other, but totally unique and unimitable. Shorter is to me a genius post-bop and modal composer, his pieces are simple but enigmatic. Even after a hundred listenings they always keep me intrigued about what comes after the next bar. And I love his tone, warmer and more melodious than Coltrane, but never soft or sweet. His 60s streak of Blue Note albums are a treasure.

Wonderful tribute to the Greatest Wayne Shorter. He has kept me awake at night for over 30 years listening to his beautiful playing and compositions while questioning his choices of harmony and melody. Nothing ever begins or ends, Wayne is Eternity. Thanks Adam.

Wayne understood music is a continuum. RIP❤

I'd never heard of Wayne Shorter till this video. You're introducing me to great new music. His playing is sublime.

Just a couple of days before his passing, I went to see Terence Blanchard playing "Absence", a tribute album to Wayne Shorter ... the impact he had ... thx for explaining some of the magic

Babe wake up, new Adam Neely

I love "Pinocchio." The melody and progressions is so interesting. The moment I heard the Miles Davis version from "Nefertiti," I was in love. From there, I went on to explore more of his music and became a fan. Thelonious Monk and Wayne Shorter are two of my all-time favorite jazz artists.

I loved the way he carried himself and he seemed to always have such a wonderment or curiosity about him. Fantastic composure.

Wayne Shorter's style is transporting me back to moments during the dozens of hours I spent playing LA Noire where this kind of sound was front and center. Beautiful harmony, to say the least.

Damn it, you got me crying and thinking about the great Wayne Shorter again 😢🙏🏾🎷

Have to take issue with the suggestion that beginning a song’s bridge on IV is “almost a stylistic signifier of the blues” (10:12). By the mid-1950s, it had become standard practice in ALL styles of commercially popular music to begin the bridge on IV (and end on V). Take the songs of 1962, for example. That year, 304 songs made it into the Billboard Top 40. Of those 304 songs, 123 have bridges, and of those 123 bridges, 81 (66%) begin on IV. Only a smattering of those 81 songs could be considered blues-based: Chains (The Cookies), Lie To Me (Brook Benton), and maybe Snap Your Fingers (Joe Henderson). The vast majority are Tin Pan Alley, Brill Building, doo-wop, or country pop songs, e.g.: Crying In the Rain (The Everly Brothers), Monster Mash (Bobby "Boris" Pickett), Venus in Blue Jeans (Jimmy Clanton), You Don't Know Me (Ray Charles), I Remember You (Frank Ifield), I Wish That We Were Married (Ronnie & The Hi-Lites), She's Got You (Patsy Cline).

Such a master composer/player. . His harmonies are so dreamlike.

That second A transition to me: Feels like when you have a lump in your throat and you feel emotional but you don't let it flood out, rather leak out in just a drip or two. It's a complex set of emotions that in their mutual exchange, the unfinished is finished, but isn't really, as resolution can't happen where resolution wasn't the goal.

Adam- both the insights and the interpretive playing of this tune are rather deep and spot on including your emotional reactions to exact notes and passages. I can only wonder how Wayne would have viewed this video. I can only think that he would have loved what you found in the tune and that you showed how well you understood his artistic intent. I dont know of anyone else who explains harmonic structures as well as you do, but more importantly- you overlay audio examples that uphold everything you describe as you speak. This is unique. It is one thing to simply say, "Wow. This is mind blowingly great." Its another thing to concisely and intelligently explain exactly why you feel that way.

Wayne Shorter makes me feel understood

Your best video yet, Adam. Nerd out on some music theory, but always connect it to the sublime & the beautiful. Then end with a quick performance and homage to Shorter, with some intense words from him…well done!

When I saw the A7b9 going to Gbmaj7 I immediately thought of it as hinting at Trane changes. The A7 wants to go to D major, but instead it resolves to a key that is up a major third (part of the Trane changes progression that moves key centers by major thirds). This would also make sense given that this was released well after Giant Steps and when Coltrane began experimenting with implementing this new kind of harmony over tons of tunes. Also, the bridge reminds me of Naima. Anyways, it’s sad to see a musician so important to the idiom pass away. May he rest in peace

Rest in Peace, Wayne Shorter

One of the most illuminating, well-judged and well-produced videos I've ever seen. Thank you. I love Wayne Shorter's work and you helped me understand why. I come away feeling a good deal more intelligent than when I arrived :-)

That bass solo was lovely. That bass solo was lovely.

Around the 2 minute mark of 'A Remark You Made' by Weather Report, the interaction between Wayne Shorter and Jaco absolutely wrecks me. Just hearbreakingly beautiful.

I was working on this song and I approached it from the view of "Where is the common practice harmony in this?" I discovered that if you look for common practice motion inside the chords and extensions. There is a way to find the "internal" common practice harmony. If you look at this song as re-harmonized. It makes more sense. The chord motion is not from the Roots up. It is from the top down. It is pre-reharmonized.

Adam Neely has that soothing yet enthusiasmatic documentary voice.

One of your best videos. I'm biased, of course, because Wayne Shorter had a powerful influence on me as a young musician - but your analysis was simultaneously insightful, respectful, and clear - no mean feat.

One of the best produced, interesting, informative music videos I have seen. I have enjoyed Shorter's music for decades.

Was not expecting to see Roscoe Holcomb in a video about Wayne Shorter, but I’m here for it.

I had the honor to present the Wayne Shorter Quartet in concert in the Indianapolis market on March 21, 2015, which was the experience of a lifetime. Adam, your tribute to Wayne is beautiful beyond what words alone can express. That his own composition is the means to accomplish this is profound. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for this posting.

I had the privilege to hear Wayne Shorter live when he performed at the Melbourne Jazz Festival years ago

This is by far my favourite video you have ever done, this is a brilliant explanation of infant eyes and Wayne Shorter's fascinating compositions and has really helped me create an even greater interest and understanding of his music.

Infant Eyes changed the way I thought about harmony. Great video, Adam!

I have always found Infant Eyes haunting and emotionally deep. This reveals some of why. Especially loved the playing segment - do more of that, please.

im a jazz musican that got into classic jazz via fusion. i initially didnt look for 2-5-1 as a functional harmony . the harmony is the harmony.

Wayne is greatly missed.... This is a great tribute video. I love it.

Wayne was one of the first jazz musicians I fell in love with in this genre. Rest easy, Wayne.

6:00 I love that Adam has started "meta-meming" (if that's a term) himself.

I love how 23 minutes of dense analysis is a jazz musicians idea of not over-analyzing :D

OMG - this is SO forking cool! Amazing insights so beautifully presented. Your presentation helps so much to understand and appreciate Shorter's genius, something I'm only now beginning to understand. This is yet another instance of knowledge = understanding = appreciation - I mean analytic knowledge, theoretical knowledge, in depth knowledge... it goes beyond just listening to something and appreciating its beauty which is fine too but also limited. In any case, thank you Adam for your amazing teaching.

Wayne Shorter is excellent. I was privileged enough to see him live once years ago when he performed at the Ottawa Jazz Festival. rest in peace and modes and harmony Wayne Shorter

Great video. I studied this song in college. Thanks for the thoughtful analysis.

Thanks for this wonderful video on Wayne Shorter. I have always loved his music but never knew who was playing it. Now I know and am grateful for it.

What a great video Adam! Thanks for this well constructed excerpt, and especially your musical insight! It was a very emotional moment in my life when Mr. Wayne Shorter passed. My journey into the jazz and fusion realm has been quite short, only 2½ years so far, but God has it changed my musical perspective and my musical goals. Wayne Shorter was an impressive and beautiful composer alongside so many legends that had passed on. Thanks again again from a local Brooklyn-ite!

I don’t have any music theory education beyond that I’ve picked up on RU-vid since the pandemic lockdown started. Since then, I have become a mass consumer of music analysis videos and this one is a top five example. Really fantastically informative and entertaining, too Thanks, Adam

I just saw Wayne Shorter and I clicked like. What a legend! R.I.P., king.

I love being surprised by gorgeous harmony resolutions. There’s something really delightful about being taken aback by a beautiful progression you didn’t expect! I love this history in this. Gregorian chant is a fave!!

Thanks, Adam, for this fascinating and heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest jazz-musicians ever. ☝️😎

A unique perspective. Another way to approach this miraculous harmony might be more from the voice leading that he uses and its relation to the melody. That could provide a more linear approach

Oh that's always been my favorite too. I've often hummed it to myself. It was dedicated to his infant daughter.

Was introduced to Wayne thru Weather Report, thanks to my high school music teacher. I'm a bassist and Jaco was my way in for getting familiar with so many other great artists. RIP Wayne 🙏

I absolutely love Wayne Shorter. Speak no evil on repeat for months to years. Dance Cadaverous makes me happy. And you honouring the man with this video, well done and thankyou!!!

Brilliant in so many ways. Big thanks for putting this together.

I’ve learned more about music in this video than all the others combined. Of course like many, I came to Weather Report for JACO but stayed for Wayne’s intoxicating, atmospheric, sound structures. He always captivated me .

Just wanted you to know, that your videos inspire me deeply and motivates me to check out new music every now and then. I admire your ability to pass on your knowledge and interest in music. Your videos adds a new perspective to music and life, and i keep getting enriched by your channel. Have a lovely day Adam :)

What a beautiful way to celebrate Wayne probably one of your best videos Adam. Thank you so much for this.

oh adam this is one of your best! i finally see now why that A7b9 has haunted me for the last ten years!

Everytime I play this I am moved by it’s beauty. No need to shred here. He says it all. Thanks for this

Adam this is so freakin good great piece on one of the most important unique, consistent voices in music your performance and edits with Wayne speaking brought tears to my eyes

Thank you for this amazing video! You put so much effort and knowledge into your work that its inspiring on it's own. Wayne has accomplished the dream that many musicians have - he will stay immortal through music. And with your videos and research, someone else might show up, get inspired and do the same.

Infant Eyes has always been so magical that I never even took upon uncovering the mechanics behind the magic. So thank you so much for this interesting and inspiring insight.

And Adam, if you open The Real book volume I, there are more Wayne Shorter's song in the book than other jazz musicians. He's songs are beautiful

_Legitimizes_ RIP Wayne

Thanks for this beautiful tribute to Wayne, especially the guidance through the maze of Infant Eyes.

Much respect Mr Shorter!!!

Great video man, and a wonderful tribute. You really set the bar high with these video essays (I'd say at least 27 bars)

Wayne was the Paul McCartney of jazz - full stop- the brilliant melodic sense. The rarest of musical gifts. I knew him- so warm and compassionate…like the melodies.

Beautiful tribute. I'm sorry to say that I've never heard his music until I saw this video, so thank you for showing me his work

What a beautiful analysis and tribute. I wish that the richness of the jazz tradition had more exposure. It makes already-incredible music that much more meaningful and culturally relevant. Rest in peace Wayne.

Thanks for choosing "Infant Eyes". Some consider it to be the most beautiful (absolutely one of the most) 'jazz' compositions of all time. Great job, Adam!

love and passion for music. Thanks Wayne, thanks Adam!

Great analysis of Infant Eyes. Such an amazing composer. RIP Wayne Shorter.

There are very few videos about music harmony of Impressionism in music (like Debussy, Ravel, Satie). Great analysis (as always)!

2:02 To express impressionist music, the lick sounds in a impressionist way, less defined. Awesome.

Gracias Adam por este brillante y sentido análisis. Se nota un alto nivel de amor y respeto. Enhorabuena

One of my favorite tunes of all time, rest in peace Wayne Shorter. One of my favorite tunes of him is also "Face of the Deep" from his record "The All Seeing Eye", a ballad of the same caliber of Infant Eyes imo. That whole record is really wild, any fans of freer jazz definitely check it out.

Wow Adam, thanks so much for this video. You (and Nahre and Rick) continue to deepen my appreciation for an art and form of communication that I already love so much. I'm so grateful for that!

realising how much of a feat it is that you manage to make the whole format of your videos digestible it's incredible

19:00 Adam, your ability to make some weird math we do with our ears (y'know, music? lol) manifest in a more easily digestible way is why I subbed years ago. I'm a seasoned amateur at everything I do. I'm a line cook making US$16.30/hr in the midwest (pretty please play a show in the Quad Cities?) who wants to write some raunchy punk rock as an emotional outlet. I like to listen to every kind of music except for "bro country" and most Top 40 stuff. Been listening to a lot of Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Fiona Apple, Chick Corea, and Bauhaus lately. If "Infant Eyes" does what you say it does to you, I'm confident it'll move me the same way and it's the next hing I'll listen to. Music is what I would love to do professionally, but at the age of 44.5 I'm realistic. Thank you for helping me with my mindset for about 4 years now! I'm sure that others also get goosebumps when a new video of yours pops up. ✌💗🤘

Wayne shorters’ “Pegasus ” on the Emanon album was one of my favorite compositions of all time. RIP Wayne.

A truly beautiful video of my one of my most favorite and respected musicians. Thank you very much Adam.

God knows how much I owe Wayne for showing me the wonders of music. The man truly knew how to make music that subverts your expectations by having multiple dimensions thrown into it. It's just music, but he made it like a puzzle. If anything, he taught me how to be free with my instrument

"La repetición Legítimiza.." - Adam Neely 💜

I think Wayne's impressionist approach gets at the core of what I personally think the point of art is, which is to express some otherwise ineffable feeling, thought or experience, rather than recreate or represent something concrete from reality. He also made heavy use of the whole-tone scale and other potent, strange and dissonant tonalities where a lot of other composers shyed away from those polarizing flavors, which gave his music an otherworldly feel for me, for example in Juju

The guy is like the Uberchad of jazz. Was pivotal in creating multiple genres and fusion.

This is why we love Adam Neely.

Great video! New fave of yours. Lovely playing at the end. I always thought this tune was bit of a nod to Trane's Naima, at least in vibe and approach and perhaps structure. I also love it's placement on the album, which is one of the most complete album statements in jazz. respect.

RIP Wayne

nice recognition. thank you.

The most salient characteristic of the mid 60s Wayne Shorter Ballad is his comprehensive use of melodic minor related harmonies ie. Maj7#5 like Iris or 7#11 chords as a Tritone substitution and the fully altered dom7 also the sus,b9 used often by Coltrane. Oh there's one more used more often by Bill Evans and that's minor7b5 with the raised 9th or non locrian 9th. But all these chords just represent different starting points or modes of a melodic minor ascending scale. I've been trying to explain this point for over 10yrs in You Tube comments but few see the implications. Anyway other Shorter Waltzes and ballads to check out Teru, Iris, Fall, Nefertiti, Night Dreamer,

The A7b9(add 13) is actually a Gb chord in the right hand over A and G interval in the left. So... a Gb major chord is already being played under the mask of the A7 in the bass, and LO! It resolves to Gbmaj7 effortlessly. How is this possible??? Oh but it is. Thanks for delving into this one, Adam!! I love this tune like no other and for all the reasons you break down, and I've done some of the same analysis myself. Thanks for validating!