A Joyful Call For One And All.
Michael F. Hopkins | Buffalo, NY USA | 03/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"(Edited from a prior feature, copyright 2006 Michael F. Hopkins)
Pianist, composer, elder statesman Randy Weston
has struck memorable hallmarks over the half-century
plus that he has blessed us with his exceptional music,
riveting performances, and wondrous recordings.
LITTLE NILES, UHURU AFRIKA, IN THE SPIRITS OF
OUR ANCESTORS, and MARRAKECH IN THE COOL OF THE
EVENING are among the many classics by which
this Tutsi-sized champion of the Black aesthetic has
brought the intense virtuosity of African American
genius, and the insistent diversity of African legacy,
together to form a highly personal expression which
continues to inspire entire generations, uplifting the
world.
In the auspices of his 80th year, the Brooklyn-born
grandmaster strides forth with his most powerful and
personal album to date. Fresh from the independent
Random Chance Records, ZEP TEPI is Brother
Weston at his most culturally astute, spiritually
focused, and emotionally open. The thunder has
never resounded more deeply, nor has the lightning
struck more dearly than it does here.
His first trio album in a very long time, ZEP TEPI
steps boldly forth with the strongly dancing sound
which is a Weston trademark. Engineer Tom
Berkeley is to be commended for astutely capturing
the depth, dimension and impact of this unique sound
as none have done before. Artist Ogandube Fayomi
provides the album's impeccably panoramic cover
illustration and photos, set to fine balance by the
jacket layout and design of Minor Swing Graphics'
Ed McConnell.
These and others form an impeccable team which,
through the production of Paul West, makes things
far easier for the artists to get straight to the
aesthetic business at hand.
Setting this recording into sterling excellence, we find
bassist Alex Blake strutting, strumming, and singing his
way through grand scapes of lustrous melody. Meeting
Weston's every touch with a supple grasp all his own,
Blake stirs the imagination with his swift, sure polytonal
rhapsodies, able to turn rhythm and groove on the
proverbial dime! As astonishing is the gripping subtlety
of percussionist Neil Clarke. Avoiding the traditional
trap set, his sifting harmonic eye and ear provides an
emancipating force which complements Weston with
chromatic tapestries of multicultural splendor.
Thus, ZEP TEPI is a hearty voyage from the Nile to
the Delta, Blues to Bop and swinging about, beyond
and within.
Bask in the jubilation of "African Sunrise", and the
penetrating glow of "The Healers", as you gather
the motion of your odyssey across solemn earth and
vibrant rainbow. Enter the brisk, quenching jet stream
boiled to a fine brew in "Portrait Of Frank Edward
Weston", a tribute to Weston's Africa-conscious
father first heard (and with Blake!) in a concert
recording 30 years ago.
Long-acknowledged landmarks "Berkshire Blues"
and "Hi-Fly" (here spelled "High Fly") are given fresh
readings which prance and prowl with sophisticated fire.
Call and response are richly enacted throughout this
session, and all the brothers are phenomenal.
At the heart of this bountiful offering, we find the man,
his piano, and a hearty song to sing. Here, two of
Weston's most beguiling solo performances sing
straight to the soul, resonating with radiance and
a smile. "Route Of The Nile" shimmers with a lazy
sway, frequently rocking you to and fro in a
comforting ride on the streams of a broader
history. "Ballad For T" is a tantalizing tribute
to the immortal Thelonious Monk, spun with all
the charm, wit, mysterioso and wonder that Monk
could touch us with.
Carrying the memory of that touch firm in his own
special grasp, Weston delivers the distant and the
down home to your front door.
ZEP TEPI joyously begins with the most
celebratory rendition of the epic "Blue Moses"
ever recorded. Listen to Weston ruminate and
resonate his perceptions through the keys, joined
by Blake tapping into sonorities akin to Mali-
born storytellers and Mississippi troubadours, as
Clarke enters the ritual with his own percolating
summons which fires the Holy Call. Griots have
much to say.
Journey's end is equally joyous, Guy Warren's
"Love, The Mystery Of" performed with deep,
playful passion as its instrumental high points
ease into the sweet vocal chant of communal prayer
in purest invocation - no frills needed and no dogma
allowed!
Lesson and sermon consummated, it is deepest
Wisdom which beckons us on. Character is the
candle which illuminates the wisdom, and the
art. The glow of that candle is strong and
warming in the timeless call of ZEP TEPI.
Come in from the cold.
"
Wonderful Weston
Oldnslow | Seattle, Washington USA | 05/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just a superb trio recording by Randy Weston, at age 80, playing his greatest hits. Fantastic rhythm section, especially the bassist, who uses the bass in the fashion of an African rhythm instrument. Weston's forceful playing is undiminished by age, and he offers fresh takes on his famous pieces. Topped by superb recording quality, this CD is a winner."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1