Randy Weston - Blues To Africa (1975)

Review by Scott Yanow

This is a particularly strong solo performance by the unique pianist Randy Weston. He interprets eight of his originals, all of which are to an extent influenced by African music. Weston's percussive style has sometimes been compared to Thelonious Monk's (Monk is an influence) but he has long had his own original voice. After many group recordings, Weston started concentrating on solo playing in 1974 and this was the second of his five unaccompanied recitals of 1974-76, all for different labels.