What makes Procession by Weather Report notable?

Procession is notable for its ambitious soundscapes that blend elements of jazz-funk and world music, which influenced a generation of musicians in the jazz fusion genre. The album received critical acclaim, further solidifying Weather Report's reputation as pioneers in jazz and earning them recognition within the broader music community for their innovative approach to composition and collaboration. Released in 1983, Procession marked Weather Report's ninth studio album and came during a period of artistic evolution for the band. Following their commercially successful albums like Heavy Weather, this record showcased a shift towards more introspective compositions while maintaining their signature improvisational style, reflecting an era where the group was navigating internal changes and lineup adjustments.

Who is Procession for?

Procession works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on Procession?

Procession has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Procession

Weather Report · 1983

39 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A seamless blend of intricate jazz fusion and exploratory improvisation, enveloping listeners in a sonorous journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Procession — The title track opens the album with a sweeping orchestration that sets the tone for the entire record, showcasing the band's ability to merge complex rhythms with melodic beauty.
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Plaza Real — This track features vibrant interactions between instruments, creating a vivid musical landscape that exemplifies Weather Report's unique fusion of styles and influences.
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Where the Moon Goes — With its ethereal textures and reflective motifs, this track highlights the band's capacity for emotional depth, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's seamless flow and intricate compositions create an engaging journey through jazz fusion.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with each piece averaging over six minutes, allowing for intricate improvisation and thematic development.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a departure into ambitious soundscapes blending jazz-funk and world music.
Career context: Released in 1983, Procession marked Weather Report's ninth studio album and came during a period of artistic evolution for the band. Following their commercially successful albums like Heavy Weather, this record showcased a shift towards more introspective compositions while maintaining their signature improvisational style, reflecting an era where the group was navigating internal changes and lineup adjustments.
Stylistic neighbors: Miles Davis· Herbie Hancock· Chick Corea