Randy Weston - Zep Tepi [CD]

Pianist Randy Weston has pioneered the integration of jazz with African and Middle Eastern music. An active and influential musician for decades, Weston will be celebrating his 80th birthday in 2006 by releasing this CD, and is also returning to a trio format. He's joined by percussionist Neil Clarke and bassist Alex Blake. All of these highly talented musicians have the space to express their individual voices as well as engage in some inspiring ensemble work. This 10 track CD includes his signature songs "Highfly," "Blue Moses" and "African Sunrise," plus new compositions - the Japanese-influenced "Tomashi" and the solo piece dedicated to Thelonious Monk, "Ballad for T."