Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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This three‑session course offers an engaging introduction to Weather Report, the pioneering jazz‑fusion group co‑founded by Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter. Active from 1970 to 1986, Weather Report reshaped the landscape of modern jazz through their innovative blend of improvisation, electric instrumentation, global rhythms, and studio experimentation. Across three sessions, we will explore the group’s changing line‑ups, evolving musical language, and landmark albums—from their atmospheric early recordings to the high‑energy virtuosity of the Jaco Pastorius years. Through guided listening, historical context, and discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the group’s influence on jazz, fusion, and contemporary music.
What will we cover?
Session 1: Origins — Jazz Fusion Emerges
• The musical backgrounds of Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter • The roots of jazz fusion in the late 1960s (Bitches Brew and beyond) • Weather Report’s early sound: texture, atmosphere, and collective improvisation • Key early albums: Weather Report (1971), I Sing the Body Electric, Sweetnighter
Session 2: The Jaco Pastorius Years — Virtuosity and Reinvention
• Introduction of Jaco Pastorius and transformation of the group’s sound • The role of electric bass, groove‑driven writing, and new rhythmic identities • Landmark albums: Black Market, Heavy Weather, “Birdland,” Mr. Gone • Live performance practices, touring, and evolving band dynamics
Session 3: Later Years and Legacy — Innovation, Technology, and Influence
• The band’s final configurations and stylistic directions in the 1980s • Studio craft, electronics, and Zawinul’s expanding sound world • Post‑Weather Report careers of key members • Weather Report’s lasting impact on jazz, fusion, funk, world music, and film music • The group’s place in today’s musical landscape
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand the key stages of Weather Report’s musical evolution • Recognise the distinctive musical voices of Zawinul, Shorter, Pastorius, and other members • Identify characteristic features of Weather Report’s sound, including texture, rhythm, improvisation, and studio techniques • Appreciate the group’s influence on later jazz fusion, contemporary jazz, and popular music • Engage confidently with Weather Report’s landmark albums and performances
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for learners at all levels, and no specialist musical knowledge is required. An interest in listening to Jazz or Big Band music will be helpful, but curious beginners are also very welcome.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. - Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom. - You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online in Google classroom after each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
To find out more about music history classes please visit Music history courses in London and online which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.
aLbi is a mostly self-taught saxophonist and composer, obsessed with jazz and its evolution since his early teens when he stumbled across his father’s precious vinyl collection of half a dozen discs. Perhaps something of the emotional nuance and intensity of John Coltrane and Stan Getz resonated with his own adolescent turmoil. aLbi was stunned to discover that Coltrane and Getz were playing the same instrument, tenor sax, so different were the “voices” they projected, and came to understand that the striving for a personal sound and expression were integral to the music. He became immersed in that world and its history. aLbi has formed bands playing original compositions, a sort of neo punk, jazz, reggae, funk, calypso with surreal and comic lyrics, often manically theatrical and at one point popular in the pubs, clubs and colleges of Kent. He has since become involved with theatre companies composing and collaborating and has written, produced and appeared in two original musicals. In 2007 one collaborative project was awarded the Samuel Becket Trust award for new and original theatre. aLbi has taught a variety of jazz history courses at City Lit since 2014.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/great-jazz-artists-weather-report3034543Great jazz artists: Weather Reporthttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/g/r/great_jazz_artists_weather_report_-_md665c-1080.jpg9999GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history22851314135113631228513141351<p>Explore the groundbreaking music, ideas, and legacy of one of the most influential jazz‑fusion groups of the 20th century.</p>003034399Great jazz artists: Weather Report9999https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/g/r/great_jazz_artists_weather_report_-_md665c-1080_1.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNov 2026Performing artsMD665C9999Great jazz artists: Weather Report796999Albi Gravenergreat-jazz-artists-weather-report/md665c-2627<p>Explore the groundbreaking music, ideas, and legacy of one of the most influential jazz‑fusion groups of the 20th century.</p>0000-Available|2026-11-02 00:00:00<p>This three‑session course offers an engaging introduction to Weather Report, the pioneering jazz‑fusion group co‑founded by Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter. Active from 1970 to 1986, Weather Report reshaped the landscape of modern jazz through their innovative blend of improvisation, electric instrumentation, global rhythms, and studio experimentation. Across three sessions, we will explore the group’s changing line‑ups, evolving musical language, and landmark albums—from their atmospheric early recordings to the high‑energy virtuosity of the Jaco Pastorius years. Through guided listening, historical context, and discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the group’s influence on jazz, fusion, and contemporary music.</p><p>Explore the groundbreaking music, ideas, and legacy of one of the most influential jazz‑fusion groups of the 20th century.</p><p>Session 1: Origins — Jazz Fusion Emerges</p><p>• The musical backgrounds of Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter<br>• The roots of jazz fusion in the late 1960s (Bitches Brew and beyond)<br>• Weather Report’s early sound: texture, atmosphere, and collective improvisation<br>• Key early albums: Weather Report (1971), I Sing the Body Electric, Sweetnighter</p><p>Session 2: The Jaco Pastorius Years — Virtuosity and Reinvention</p><p>• Introduction of Jaco Pastorius and transformation of the group’s sound<br>• The role of electric bass, groove‑driven writing, and new rhythmic identities<br>• Landmark albums: Black Market, Heavy Weather, “Birdland,” Mr. Gone<br>• Live performance practices, touring, and evolving band dynamics</p><p>Session 3: Later Years and Legacy — Innovation, Technology, and Influence</p><p>• The band’s final configurations and stylistic directions in the 1980s<br>• Studio craft, electronics, and Zawinul’s expanding sound world<br>• Post‑Weather Report careers of key members<br>• Weather Report’s lasting impact on jazz, fusion, funk, world music, and film music<br>• The group’s place in today’s musical landscape<br> </p><p>• Understand the key stages of Weather Report’s musical evolution<br>• Recognise the distinctive musical voices of Zawinul, Shorter, Pastorius, and other members<br>• Identify characteristic features of Weather Report’s sound, including texture, rhythm, improvisation, and studio techniques<br>• Appreciate the group’s influence on later jazz fusion, contemporary jazz, and popular music<br>• Engage confidently with Weather Report’s landmark albums and performances<br> </p><p>The course is suitable for learners at all levels, and no specialist musical knowledge is required. An interest in listening to Jazz or Big Band music will be helpful, but curious beginners are also very welcome.</p><p>- Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. <br>- Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom.<br>- You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.<br> </p><p>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online in Google classroom after each session.</p><p>To find out more about music history classes please visit <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.</p>MusicMusic historyvirtual799969MD665CNONEMon02/11/26 - 16/11/2613:00 - 15:0013:0015:003 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAlbi GravenerBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00Nov 2026Performing arts9999Great jazz artists: Weather Reportgreat-jazz-artists-weather-report/md665c-2627<p>Explore the groundbreaking music, ideas, and legacy of one of the most influential jazz‑fusion groups of the 20th century.</p>0000-Available|2026-11-02 00:00:00<p>This three‑session course offers an engaging introduction to Weather Report, the pioneering jazz‑fusion group co‑founded by Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter. Active from 1970 to 1986, Weather Report reshaped the landscape of modern jazz through their innovative blend of improvisation, electric instrumentation, global rhythms, and studio experimentation. Across three sessions, we will explore the group’s changing line‑ups, evolving musical language, and landmark albums—from their atmospheric early recordings to the high‑energy virtuosity of the Jaco Pastorius years. Through guided listening, historical context, and discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the group’s influence on jazz, fusion, and contemporary music.</p><p>Explore the groundbreaking music, ideas, and legacy of one of the most influential jazz‑fusion groups of the 20th century.</p><p>Session 1: Origins — Jazz Fusion Emerges</p><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The musical backgrounds of Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The roots of jazz fusion in the late 1960s (Bitches Brew and beyond)<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Weather Report’s early sound: texture, atmosphere, and collective improvisation<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Key early albums: Weather Report (1971), I Sing the Body Electric, Sweetnighter</p><p>Session 2: The Jaco Pastorius Years — Virtuosity and Reinvention</p><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Introduction of Jaco Pastorius and transformation of the group’s sound<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The role of electric bass, groove‑driven writing, and new rhythmic identities<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Landmark albums: Black Market, Heavy Weather, “Birdland,” Mr. Gone<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Live performance practices, touring, and evolving band dynamics</p><p>Session 3: Later Years and Legacy — Innovation, Technology, and Influence</p><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The band’s final configurations and stylistic directions in the 1980s<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Studio craft, electronics, and Zawinul’s expanding sound world<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Post‑Weather Report careers of key members<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Weather Report’s lasting impact on jazz, fusion, funk, world music, and film music<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The group’s place in today’s musical landscape<br>&nbsp;</p><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Understand the key stages of Weather Report’s musical evolution<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Recognise the distinctive musical voices of Zawinul, Shorter, Pastorius, and other members<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Identify characteristic features of Weather Report’s sound, including texture, rhythm, improvisation, and studio techniques<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Appreciate the group’s influence on later jazz fusion, contemporary jazz, and popular music<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Engage confidently with Weather Report’s landmark albums and performances<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The course is suitable for learners at all levels, and no specialist musical knowledge is required. An interest in listening to Jazz or Big Band music will be helpful, but curious beginners are also very welcome.</p><p>- Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study.&nbsp;<br>- Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom.<br>- You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online in Google classroom after each session.</p><p>To find out more about music history classes please visit <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/music-history-your-guide-our-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Music history courses in London and online</a> which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.</p>MusicMusic historyconfigurable
13631351Music historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/music/music-history1/2/285/1314/1351/13631/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Music history
