T.K. Blue: Another Blue

Jack Bowers

Senior Contributor since 1997

A former newspaper writer / editor who has been writing about big-band Jazz for more than fifteen years.

Recent articles (1,749 total)

Published: October 1, 1999

Here’s a generous helping of flavorsome post–bop Jazz deliciously home–cooked by T. K. Blue (also known as Talib Kibwe, and as a conspicuously talented woodwind player, often with Randy Weston’s Spirit of Life Orchestra) and his enterprising companions. Group sizes range from duo to sextet with Blue (alto) and Weston duetting wonderfully on Dizzy’s “Night in Tunisia” and trumpet master Eddie Henderson augmenting Blue’s quartet on the impulsive finale, Miles Davis’ “Solar.” Blue plays alto on seven tracks, soprano on Wayne Shorter’s burner, “This Is for Albert,” soprano and flute on his own composition, “Pileau,” flute on Bud Powell’s “Hallucinations” and “It’s Really All About Love,” kalimba and alto on “Crossings.” Besides “Pileau,” Blue wrote “Evening Prayer,” “Another Blue,” “All About Love” and “Crossings.” Blue’s full–bodied alto resides in a contemporary Gary Bartz/Kenny Garrett/Jesse Davis precinct (but with its own dialect and shadings), while his nimble flute work is reminiscent of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Hubert Laws and other modernists. His compositions are consistently engaging, especially the Caribbean–based “Pileau.” Blue has chosen his sidemen with care, and each one plays an important role in helping him accomplish his purpose. Branker wrote the inspiring curtain–raiser, “Chant for Peace Eternal,” and plays flugel on that number and on “Evening Prayer” (which includes enchanting solos by Blue and trombonist Ferrel). Pianist Cochrane, bassist Hill and drummer Bufford form the rhythm section on those numbers, pianist Weidman (who arranged “You Go to My Head”), bassist Debriano and drummer Brooks on the others, and each one gives Blue ample support without intruding on his space. Aside from Blue’s deft improvisations, which sparkle throughout, the highlights include Weston’s and Henderson’s guest appearances, the persuasive charts and solid group interplay. A first–class session.

Track listing: Chant for Peace Eternal; This Is for Albert; Evening Prayer; Hallucinations; Another Blue; You Go to My Head; It’s Really All About Love; A Night in Tunisia; Crossings; Pileau; Solar (58:34).

Personnel: T. K. Blue (Talib Kibwe), sax, flute, kalimba; James Wiedman, Michael Cochrane, piano; Santi Debriano, Calvin Hill, bass; Cecil Brooks III, Greg Bufford, drums; Guilherme Franco, percussion; Tony Branker, trumpet; Bob Ferrel, trombone; Lenny Argese, guitar; special guests Onaje Allan Gumbs, piano; Eddie Henderson, trumpet; Randy Weston, piano.

Contact: Arkadia Entertainment, 34 E. 23rd St., NY, NY 10010 (phone 212�533�0007; e�mail jazz@arkadiarecords.com).

Record Label: Arkadia Jazz
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream