The record company Columbia deserves a lot of credit for providing Wayne Shorter with the studio and money in 1974 to realize such an elaborate production. Whether the expenses were recovered by the sales may be doubted. But there were pop giants with a higher circulation who were under contract in the 70s ... Wayne Shorter ventured on five compositions by Milton Nascimento for the LP, wrote three pieces himself, one contributed by Herbie Hancock. The musicians are unknown except Herbie Hancock and Airto Moreira, but are perfectly able to integrate and contribute their own. What is fascinating about the music is the beauty of the themes, is the relationship with Brazilian folk music. Wayne Shorter emphasizes in the liner-notes the authenticity and seriousness that was omnipresent in the studio during the recording. This can be heard and felt in every second even after almost half a century. That's why "Native Dancer" should find its place in your collection next to "Speak No Evil" and "Supernova". In general, with Wayne Shorter you are always right; you can buy his records blindly. Recording: 1975 at Village Recorders Studios, Los Angeles, by Robert Fraboni Production: Jim Price