The show was billed as "Africa into Jazz, Jazz into Africa", the crowning event of the Yale Undergraduate Jazz Collective's weekend festival. Opener Weston is a true giant in the jazz world. At 91 years old and 6'8" tall, Weston has been at the jazz piano since the early 60s. He is a direct disciple of Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. Born in Brooklyn, Weston had a straight shot to the jazz scene brewing at Minton's Playhouse. In the 70s, instead of moving to Europe like most jazz expats, Weston moved to Morocco to absorb the African roots and rhythms. On this evening, it was Weston on piano, tenor sax, soprano sax and flute, bass, African percussion, and drums. Amazing set from this nonagenarian who shows no signs of slowing down. Weston's long fingers made confident and acrobatic runs, he was truly in charge. Excellent conga work, a great flute solo, and an unusual but deft bass style were some highlights. In my recent reacquaintance with the world of vinyl, I came across a copy of Weston's Berkshire Blues which I am thoroughly enjoying.
Richard Bona is a Cameroonian bass player who came with piano and drums for his trio. Bona plays a five string electric bass with effortless moves. The pianist was great, but paled in the chair occupied by Weston. Bona's songs were equal parts Youssou N'dor and Jaco. The African singing lent a nice touch to the jazz affair. In surveying the walls at Toads, I realize how many bands I've seen from the Stones and Tin Machine to Jack Bruce and John Lee Hooker. This venue is in the twilight of its lifespan and has never been a home to jazz, but on this particular evening, this particular jazz fan had a smile from ear to ear.
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