(Motema Records)

The Storyteller , the Motéma recording debut of the venerable virtuoso pianist-composer Randy Weston, coincides with the 50th Anniversary of his landmark 1960 recording, UHURU Afrika which fused jazz and African rhythm. All these years later, Weston continues this legacy. This latest effort was recorded live at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at the Jazz at Lincoln Center complex. Featuring a cross-section of Weston compositions, the music here is brought exquisitely to life by a collection of outstanding musical talents who make up the African Rhythms Sextet. The lineup includes the great trombonist Benny Powell,(who has passed away before the release of the recording), bassist Alex Blake, drummer Lewis Nash, saxophonist and flutist T.K. Blue, percussionist Neil Clarke. The blend of such talents can’t help but produce a great work and this effort certainly fits that bill.