Infant Eyes

“Infant Eyes” is a ballad composed by Wayne Shorter in 1966, dedicated to his daughter Miyako. The piece encapsulates Shorter’s personal emotions and deep love, reflecting a sense of purity and delicacy. Featured on the album “Speak No Evil,” this piece is characterized by its slow tempo and lyrical melody, showcasing Shorter’s emotional and introspective compositional style.

The piece is characterized by a slow, tranquil atmosphere where emotions are delicately conveyed. It’s a 4/4 ballad with a harmonic progression that, while not overly complex, delivers profound emotional depth. The simple melody line combined with the lyrical harmony creates a peaceful yet deeply expressive mood. The interaction between the piano, bass, and drums is essential to this piece, ensuring a cohesive and evocative performance.

It is essential to fully utilize the space provided by the slow tempo, expressing each note with deep nuance. The piano should smoothly carry the melody while enriching the harmonic sections with emotion. The bass and drums should maintain a simple yet steady rhythm, anchoring the overall atmosphere of the piece. In the solo sections, focus on expressing emotions while preserving the delicate mood of the composition.