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. ~ Scott Yanow