Randy Weston - African Cookbook - 180g Vinyl LP

Limited Edition
When this set was recorded in 1964, pianist Randy Weston had no luck interesting any label to release the music, so he came out with it independently on his tiny Bakton company & then in 1972 Atlantic released the performances. It is surprising that no company in the mid-1960s signed Weston up because "Willie's Tune" from the set had the potential to catch on, "Berkshire Blues" is somewhat known and the mixture of accessible bop with African rhythms overall is appealing. Trumpeter Ray Copeland was responsible for the arrangements while Weston contributed all but one of the songs. Copeland and the great tenor Booker Ervin have their share of solo space, bassist Vishnu Wood and drummer Lenny McBrowne are fine in support, and on three numbers the percussion of Big Black and Sir Harold Murray are added; Big Black also sings on "Congolese Children". An excellent outing, infectiously listenable!!

"The first three songs are so catchy and any one could have been a `hit' by jazz standards. Three Afro-Caribbean slow burners follow, with one complete side. This is an excellent session and should lead those relatively new to Western to seek out more of his catalogue." - Dennis Davis, Hi-Fi+, Recording 90/100 and Music 90/100!!!

Features:
• 180g Silent Vinyl
• Audiophile Mastering

Musicians:
Randy Weston, piano
Ray Copeland, trumpet
Booker Ervin, tenor saxophone
Vishnu Wood, bass
Lenny McBrowne, drums
Big Black, congas
Sir Harold Murray, percussion

Selections:
Side A:
1. Berkshire Blues
2. Portrait of Vivian
3. Willie's Tune
4. Niger Mambo

Side B:
5. African Cookbook
6. Congolese Children
7. Blues for Five Reasons

Recorded October 1964 at Nola Penthouse Studios, New York.