Randy Weston & T.K. Blue at An Die Musik

[LWayne]

With the year quickly coming to an end, I had the privilege of seeing Randy Weston and T.K. Blue (aka Talib Kibwe) perform as a duo last Saturday, December 10th, at An Die Musik in Baltimore.

Since I do travel frequently, and have the opportunity to regularly visit many different jazz clubs, IMHO there may not be a more intriguing and inviting club than An Die Musik. This small, intimate, venue is located above a CD store on North Charles in Baltimore and accommodates maybe 100 to 120 people in resplendent comfort. There is truly not a bad seat to be found in the venue. What makes the club even more attractive to me is the diverse range of acts booked by Bernard Lyons who does an excellent job of booking a wide array of jazz talent for this venue. An Die Musik is certainly a great treasure and I would highly recommend the program and club to anyone who is passionate about their music.

Randy Weston and T.K. Blue certainly demonstrated their understanding for each others music, having played together for over 25 years. After a spirited romp through the opening "Hi Fly", the two musicians glided through a relaxed version of "St. Thomas", made famous by Sonny Rollins, as well as several of Weston's compositions such as "Mystery of Love" and "In Memory Of". Weston later remarked to the audience that the two musicians did not announce their set list in advance from the stage because they weren't sure what they were going to play until the last minute. Certainly the hallmark of two veteran musicians who are very comfortable with their catalogue.

Listening to Randy Weston play the piano is a rare treat as he seemingly surrounds the keyboard. Owing to his size and tremendous wingspan, he can accompany himself on the bass keys while he plays a melody on the right-hand side of the keyboard. For such a large man, he has an incredibly delicate touch and has a stabbing quality of playing; highly reminiscent of Thelonious Monk.

Last January we saw Andrew Hill at this same venue, which made it all the more appropriate to catch Randy Weston and T.K. Blue as our last concert, to close out an outstanding year of live music.

LWayne

[jazzbo]

L, thanks for the description. I love those guys. Thank goodness RW is still with us giving his all!