Juju is Wayne Shorter's sixth studio album as a leader, recorded on August 3, 1964 for Blue Note Records. Produced by Alfred Lion, the album marks a turning point in Shorter's career, consolidating his unique compositional style that fused hard bop with modal elements and growing lyricism.
The album's lineup is a luxury quartet: McCoy Tyner on piano, Reggie Workman on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums. All were members of John Coltrane's quartet at the time, giving the record exceptional rhythmic and harmonic cohesion. The six compositions are all Shorter originals, including classics like 'Juju' and 'Deluge'.
Juju is widely regarded as one of Shorter's best albums and a masterpiece of 1960s jazz. Its influence endures, and tracks like 'Juju' have become modern jazz standards. The title refers to an amulet or spell from African tradition, reflecting Shorter's interest in the spiritual and mystical.