THE AFRICAN RHYTHMS ALUMNI ENSEMBLE
Artist Website:
Social Media Pages: IG | Facebook
Streaming Service: Bandcamp
|
|
Today, it is common for critics, journalists, music educators, and musicians themselves to credit African culture for being the seed and root of American Jazz Music. That was not always the case, initially this idea was met with criticism and resistance. The pioneering pianist and composer Randy Weston would change that with his formation of Randy Weston's African Rhythms (A jazz ensemble), and the release of the pivotal recording Uhuru Afrika (Roulette, 1960).
On the cusp of the centennial birthday of the late NEA Jazz Master, pianist/composer Dr. Randy Weston, esteemed members of Weston’s “African Rhythms” band – including Weston’s musical director and arranger T.K. Blue – have rejoined forces to pay tribute to their exceptional leader. The “African Rhythms Alumni Quintet” bears direct witness to Dr. Weston’s brilliant integration of African aesthetics with the spirit of jazz that was cultivated by piano legendries like Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and Earl Hines. The sonic foundations of Weston’s trailblazing style include the dynamic drum polyrhythms of West Africa, the use of jazzy horns and plucked guitars from Ghanaian highlife music, and Ellington’s orchestral approach to the piano.
Known for his legendary jazz performances across the world, the vital contribution of Weston’s Afrocentric artistry to the global jazz scene was recognized through countless accolades, including the title of NEA Jazz Master and the prestigious Doris Duke Performing Artist Award before his death in 2018 at the age of 92.
By bringing the unique “sound” of Weston’s compositions and arrangements to the stage, the “African Rhythms Alumni Quintet” transmits what – in Weston’s view – must be heard as the very “spirit” of his person. This is made possible by the world-class musicianship of the Alumni Quintet’s members as well as their close and long-term working relationships with Weston. These musicians include T.K. Blue (saxophone/flute/musical director), Chief Baba Neil Clarke (percussion), Alex Blake (bass), Ku-umba Frank Lacy (trombone), and Sharp Radway (piano).
On the cusp of the centennial birthday of the late NEA Jazz Master, pianist/composer Dr. Randy Weston, esteemed members of Weston’s “African Rhythms” band – including Weston’s musical director and arranger T.K. Blue – have rejoined forces to pay tribute to their exceptional leader. The “African Rhythms Alumni Quintet” bears direct witness to Dr. Weston’s brilliant integration of African aesthetics with the spirit of jazz that was cultivated by piano legendries like Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and Earl Hines. The sonic foundations of Weston’s trailblazing style include the dynamic drum polyrhythms of West Africa, the use of jazzy horns and plucked guitars from Ghanaian highlife music, and Ellington’s orchestral approach to the piano.
Known for his legendary jazz performances across the world, the vital contribution of Weston’s Afrocentric artistry to the global jazz scene was recognized through countless accolades, including the title of NEA Jazz Master and the prestigious Doris Duke Performing Artist Award before his death in 2018 at the age of 92.
By bringing the unique “sound” of Weston’s compositions and arrangements to the stage, the “African Rhythms Alumni Quintet” transmits what – in Weston’s view – must be heard as the very “spirit” of his person. This is made possible by the world-class musicianship of the Alumni Quintet’s members as well as their close and long-term working relationships with Weston. These musicians include T.K. Blue (saxophone/flute/musical director), Chief Baba Neil Clarke (percussion), Alex Blake (bass), Ku-umba Frank Lacy (trombone), and Sharp Radway (piano).