There is a long list of musicians who have turned my head but among those at the top of that list is certainly Wayne Shorter. Though it may not be apparent at first blush, he has influenced me tremendously as a composer.
The almost “Webern-like” compression of his forms and highly efficient use of space and harmony is wonderful and something I try, in my own humble way, to emulate.
I especially like among his new records Alegria.
But he has done so much great stuff it is hard to pick one.
I always learn when I listen to Wayne Shorter.