Randy Weston - African Cookbook
Randy Weston – piano
Randy Weston – celesta (B2)
Ray Copeland - trumpet
Booker Ervin - tenor saxophone [click here to see more vinyl featuring Booker Ervin]
Vishnu Wood - bass
Lenny McBrowne - drums
Big Black – congas
Big Black – vocals (B2)
Sir Harold Murray - percussion
Arranged by Ray Copeland
Written by Randy Weston
1LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : Black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : unspecified
Label : Pure Pleasure
Original Label : Atlantic
Recorded October 1964 at Nola Penthouse Studios, New York City
Recorded and engineered by Tommy Nola
Remixed by Ray Hall
Produced by Michael Cuscuna
Remastered by Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London
Originally released in 1972
Reissued in 2016
Tracks:
Side A:
- Berkshire Blues
- Portrait of Vivian
- Willie's Tune
- Niger Mambo
Side B:
- African Cookbook
- Congolese Children
- Blues for Five Reasons
Reviews:
"The first three songs are so catchy and any one could have been a `hit' by jazz standards. Three Afro-Caribbean slow burners follow, with one complete side. This is an excellent session and should lead those relatively new to Western to seek out more of his catalogue." - Dennis Davis, Hi-Fi+
“When African Cookbook was recorded in 1964, pianist Randy Weston had no luck interesting any label to release the music, so he came out with it independently on his tiny Bakton company. In 1972, Atlantic released the performances. It is surprising that no company in the mid-'60s signed Weston, because "Willie's Tune," from this set, had the potential to catch on, and "Berkshire Blues" is somewhat well-known and the mixture of accessible bop with African rhythms overall is appealing. Trumpeter Ray Copeland was responsible for the arrangements while Weston contributed all but one of the songs. Copeland and the great tenor Booker Ervin have their share of solo space, bassist Vishnu Wood and drummer Lenny McBrowne are fine in support, and on three numbers the percussion of Big Black and Sir Harold Murray are added; Big Black also sings on "Congolese Children." An excellent outing.” Review by Scott Yanow
Ratings :
AllMusic : 4 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.36 / 5 ; Hi-Fi+ : Recording 90/100 and Music 90/100