Solo, Duo and Trio in a Modern Mood

Some of pianist Randy Weston's earliest recordings are represented on this CD, which combine the contents of a 10" release with a full LP, both of which appeared originally on Riverside. His drastically different style of playing got critics talking about the influence of Thelonious Monk. The first five tracks feature Weston with bassist Sam Gill and drummer Art Blakey; the somewhat somber interpretation of "Sweet Sue, Just You" almost makes it humorous, but the highlights of the trio session are Weston's original works. "Pam's Waltz" is a gently gliding yet unpredictable piece with minimal accompaniment by Gill and Blakey sticking to brushes. "Zulu" is an infectious mid-tempo bop composition that has plenty of twists and turns. The four songs featuring Weston on solo piano are primarily standards; "Little Girl Blue" is slowed to a crawl as the pianist mines its dramatic potential, while "Lover" is transformed into a rather bittersweet ballad, as if the would-be singer is having second thoughts. Weston's "Softness" is a rich ballad and his approach to Tadd Dameron's "If You Could See Me Now" is extraordinary. The remaining tracks are duets with Gill, covering well-known songs by Cole Porter; his extremely playful approaches to "What Is This Thing Called Love?" and "I Get a Kick out of You" are particularly entertaining. This should be a mandatory purchase for fans of Randy Weston.