The Immigrants (1988)

“The Immigrants” is an album by The Zawinul Syndicate, released in 1988 under the CBS label. This record showcases Joe Zawinul’s innovative fusion of jazz with global musical influences, reflecting his deep appreciation for diverse cultures. The album is characterized by its intricate rhythms and rich sonic textures, offering a compelling listening experience that highlights Zawinul’s pioneering approach to jazz fusion.

Blackwater (1989)

“Black Water” is an album by The Zawinul Syndicate, released in 1989 under the Columbia label. The album features Joe Zawinul on keyboards and Scott Henderson on guitar, among other talented musicians. Recorded in various locations, including Copenhagen, Denmark; Front Page Recorders; Music Room in Malibu; and Studio Ultimo in West Los Angeles, CA, the album has a total duration of 39:49 minutes. It falls under the jazz genre, with styles encompassing fusion, global jazz, hard bop, and soul jazz.

“Black Water” continues Zawinul’s exploration of blending jazz with world music elements, resulting in a rich tapestry of sounds that highlight his innovative approach to composition and performance. The album is noted for its intricate rhythms and diverse cultural influences, offering listeners a dynamic and engaging musical experience.

Lost Tribes (1992)

“Lost Tribes” is an album by The Zawinul Syndicate, released in 1992 under the Columbia label. The album has a total duration of 50:52 minutes and falls under the jazz genre, with styles encompassing fusion, global jazz, hard bop, and soul jazz.

“Lost Tribes” continues Joe Zawinul’s exploration of blending jazz with world music elements, resulting in a rich tapestry of sounds that highlight his innovative approach to composition and performance. The album is noted for its intricate rhythms and diverse cultural influences, offering listeners a dynamic and engaging musical experience.

World Tour (1998)

“World Tour” is a live double album by The Zawinul Syndicate, released in 1998 under the ESC Records label. The recordings were captured during performances in Germany between May and November 1997. The album spans approximately 103 minutes, showcasing the band’s dynamic live energy and intricate fusion of jazz with global musical elements.

The ensemble features Joe Zawinul on keyboards and vocoder, Gary Poulson on guitar, Victor Bailey and Richard Bona on bass, Paco Séry on drums and kalimba, and Manolo Badrena on percussion and vocals.

“World Tour” captures the essence of The Zawinul Syndicate’s live performances, blending complex rhythms with melodies inspired by various cultures. The album was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance, underscoring its significance in the jazz fusion genre.

Vienna Nights (2005)

“Vienna Nights: Live at Joe Zawinul’s Birdland” is a live double album by The Zawinul Syndicate, released on August 23, 2005, under the BHM label. The recordings capture performances from May 26 to October 1, 2004, at Joe Zawinul’s Birdland club in Vienna.

This album exemplifies Joe Zawinul’s innovative fusion of jazz with global musical elements, delivering a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The live recordings capture the energy and spontaneity of The Zawinul Syndicate’s performances, highlighting their intricate rhythms and diverse cultural influences.

75th (2007)

“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.

MEDIA

Joe Zawinul

Early Years in Vienna

With Cannonball Adderley

Weather Report

Zawinul Syndicate

Joe Zawinul Foundation for Achievement

Established in 2013 by Tony Zawinul, the Zawinul Foundation for Achievement fulfills Joe’s dream to encourage and cultivate the pursuit of performing arts careers in young, promising musicians. It draws from Joe’s personal experiences as an international musician whose classical music roots are based in his early days of music studies in Vienna and whose career exposed him to the cultures and music of the world. The Zawinul Foundation for Achievement allows students to benefit from this precious connection.