Weather Report, as most readers already know, was a successful jazz fusion band that featured (most notably) Joe Zawinul and Jaco Pastorius - still considered to be masters of their craft.

Heavy Weather is one of Weather Report's most highly acclaimed albums, and it features three of their most famous songs - these being "Birdland" , "A Remark You Made" , and "Teen Town."

"Birdland" kicks off the album with a seamless mesh of breezy funk and brassy jazz. Very innovative piece with a tune worthy of a whistle.

"A Remark You Made" follows up, slowing down the pace but no diminishing the musicianship or entertainment in the least. This song, although a Zawinul composition, is a memorable Jaco number - an excellent example of his smooth, electric style.

The album continues to impress, with the third track: "Teen Town." A Jaco composition, the song features Pastorius on bass and drums as he molds a jazzy groove that would help define him as a pioneer of the electric bass in years to come.

The other songs are not bad in the least. In fact, they are quite enjoyable and surely worthy of a listen. Yet, when the album starts off with three powerhouses as it does, relativity can make the other tracks perhaps a bit disappointing.

Overall, "Heavy Weather" is an excellent album - truly an essential listen for one wishing to understand jazz fusion. It features classic compositions by virtuosos Zawinul and Pastorius, and forges a distinctly Weather Report sound that does not fail to entertain.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Listening