Customer Reviews

Solo Duo & Trio

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From 1954 to 1956, these are the first recordings
from one of the grandmasters of African American
perspective, a genius of the acoustic piano, and
one highly exceptional composer. These milestones
are the debut recordings of Randy Weston, and they
are a special treat for anyone who loves great
Music in general, and Jazz in
particular.
With the recordings of Thelonious Monk, Herbie
Nichols, Cecil Taylor and Horace Silver, SOLO,
DUO, AND TRIO features some of the most epic,
versatile pianistry to emerge from the 1950s.
Listen to Weston's hip-walking take on "Sweet
Sue" (the spirit call of drummer Art Blakey
forecasting the rituals to come), and associate
the subtle dance and finger-popping sway with
a new kid on the block!
Too, Weston's originality as a composer and
soloist is already intact. Listen to the
infectious serenade of "Pam's Waltz", or the
warrior's stroll of "Zulu", and you hear a
musicmaker of the highest order. Employing
intervals usually associated with Monk
(especially with the "Rootie Tootie"-
inspired cadence opening "Zulu"), Weston
wields all tools with a lyrical grasp
all his own.
Listening further to Weston in solo
performance, or his inspired duos with
bassist Sam Gill interpreting Cole
Porter, you are always in the presence
of a highly original artist. It is a
humble, forthright artistry which would
evolve -over the decades- into
the towering trailblazing which
would conceive UHURU AFRIKA, THE
HEALERS, AFRICAN COOKBOOK, and
other bulwarks of globe-crossing
Black genius.

Weston's jubilant stride continues
today through epic recordings such
as IN THE SPIRITS OF OUR ANCESTORS
and ZEP TEPI. His is a momentous
stride full of character, dignity,
and Wisdom's might.

Hear how it all began.

WOW! Early Weston, showing influences of/on Monk & Nichols!
A choice recording that should be in every Jazz collection!!!