MIX /// Jazz & Palmwine vol. 1

A colored and jazzy trip with afro, latin and caribbean flavors.

Randy Weston - Tanjah (Afrojazz with Gnawa tinge, 1973)

(Polydor PD5055).

Entering Randy Weston spiritual world is a long story. Let's just have a glimpse at his special relation with the city of Tangier (Tanjah is local name).

After experiencing several african countries during the 60s, Randy Weston decided to move from New York to Africa. Tense politcal situation in Nigeria was cooling down his initial will to live in this english speaking country he already visited in 63 and 67. And finally, the great feedback and feeling he had during his 1967 concert in Morroco, additionnally to musical discovery of the Gnaoua, made him move there from the late 60s.

Randy Weston live @ Saint Louis Jazz, Senegal (2007)

A meaningful experience to listen to Randy Weston in Africa...
Being one of the most "african" among the US jazzmen (from Tanger jazz club in the late 60s to Nigeria's FESTAC in 1977) this was his second performance at Saint Louis Jazz Festival (Senegal). His African Rhythms Trio is composed by Alex Blake (bass) and Neil Clarke (drums) both perfect sidemen of this innovative and explorative genius. "African Cookbook" (first track played on the veideo). An this concert ended with Ablaye Cissoko (Kora player from Saint Louis) joining the trio, as a direct (and natural) link to african musical heritage.