Randy Weston - Live In St. Lucia (2003)

Randy Weston leads his African Rhythms Quintet in this concert recorded in St. Lucia circa 2002. With alto saxophonist/flautist T.K. Blue, trombonist Benny Powell, bassist Alex Blake, and percussionist Neil Clarke, Weston revisits a number of his exotic, African-influenced originals, starting off with the turbo-charged "African Cookbook" and the haunting, deliberate "The Shrine." "African Sunrise" has also long been a part of the pianist's repertoire; this version begins with his powerful solo before settling down to a loping pace as the band enters. "Little Niles," first written for Weston's then-young son nearly a half-century prior to this performance, is still a masterpiece, though this introspective interpretation reveals new facets of this gem. Weston closes this exciting set with his hypnotic, driving "Blue Moses" with T.K. Blue switching to soprano sax. Beautifully photographed and edited with top-notch audio, this DVD should be considered essential for fans of Randy Weston.~Live in St. Lucia Review by Ken Dryden