Broadcast on 06-Apr-2009

Pianist/composer Randy Weston celebrates his 83rd birthday tonight (April 6) and to honour this 6' 7" musical giant, The Jazz Show presents Randy with one of his finest ensembles. Originally released in 1965 on his own label, Weston sold the rights to Atlantic Records some years later and it was issued as "African Cookbook", after the great title track. Weston combines the concepts of Duke Ellington (the pianist) and Thelonious Monk into his own unique style. Randy's compositions have endured in Jazz for many years as he is responsible for "Little Niles", "Hi-Fly", "Pam's Waltz", "Babe's Blues" and so many others that have become Jazz standards. Weston's band here includes the great authoritative voice of tenor saxophonist Booker Ervin, who to this day remains sadly overlooked. On trumpet and flugelhorn is the late Ray Copeland, who was one of Monk's favourite players. Bill "Vishnu" Wood is solid on bass and works well with drummer Lenny McBrowne. Three tunes are done by this ensemble then percussionist, Big Black (aka Larry Roy) is added on congas as well as Sir Harold Murray on special percussion. One tune, "Blues For Five Reasons" is played by Weston plus bass and drums. All the compositions, with one exception are by Randy and they are all very distinctive. This is one special album and is our birthday tribute to a living Jazz master.