Schizophrenia

Between 1964 and 1967, Wayne Shorter recorded eight albums for Blue Note, all of a stunningly high caliber. Schizophrenia — the final session of this era, before he began moving toward a more abstract, fusion-oriented sound — is perhaps the least celebrated. But it’s on par with any of his other efforts from this golden period. Leading a band of fellow post-bop masters (saxophonist and flutist James Spaulding, trombonist Curtis Fuller, pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Joe Chambers), Shorter deploys his sextet like part chamber ensemble, part little big band, yielding fascinating pieces like the multipart title track and the darkly alluring “Go.” The album’s combination of compositional refinement and palpable improvisational risk make it one of the most satisfying efforts in the saxophonist’s robust ’60s catalog.