Iris is a jazz composition written by Wayne Shorter and first released by Miles Davis on the 1965 album ESP, from Davis's Second Quintet. The track is noted for its melodic clarity within an adventurous, flexible and abstract style typical of Shorter's work. In the original recording there is a distinct left-right stereo separation - Miles Davis sits center, Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter are on the left, Wayne Shorter and Tony Williams on the right. Although Iris has not been as widely covered as some other Shorter tunes, it has inspired numerous interpretations and arrangements by various artists, including a notable big band version by Mats Holmquist with Dave Liebman on A tribute to Wayne Shorter. A 2022 remaster of Iris is also available, reflecting continued interest in the tune.
