“75th” is a live double album by Joe Zawinul and The Zawinul Syndicate, released posthumously in 2008 under the BHM label. The album captures performances from July 7, 2007, in Lugano, Switzerland—coinciding with Zawinul’s 75th birthday—and August 2, 2007, in Veszprém, Hungary. Notably, the Veszprém concert features a reunion with saxophonist Wayne Shorter on “In a Silent Way,” a piece they originally performed with Miles Davis. This album was among Zawinul’s final recordings before his passing in September 2007.
The ensemble features Joe Zawinul on keyboards and vocoder, Alegre Corrêa on guitar and vocals, Linley Marthe on bass, Paco Séry on drums and kalimba, Abdelaziz Sahmaoui on percussion and vocals, Jorge Bezerra on percussion and vocals, and Sabine Kabongo on vocals. Wayne Shorter makes a special appearance on soprano saxophone for “In a Silent Way.”
“75th” exemplifies Zawinul’s innovative fusion of jazz with global musical elements, delivering a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The album was honored with the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, underscoring its significance in the jazz fusion genre.