Search - Talib Kibwe :: Introducing Talib Kibwe

Although they perform all too infrequently in the U.S., Randy Weston's African Rhythms is one of the great jazz bands of the '90s, and its musical director and multi-reed soloist is a young New Yorker named Talib Kibwe. Kibwe has thoroughly absorbed Weston's heady mix of bop, free-jazz and authentic African music and gives this hybrid sound his own twist on his debut album as a leader. Playing alto and soprano sax as well as flute, Kibwe uses his bright, joyful tone to highlight his melodic solos that never stray too far from the polyrhythmic patterns and harmonies of the accompaniment. This sense of freedom-within-a-community is a key aspect of African-inspired jazz and may be the most important lesson Kibwe learned from Weston. --Geoffrey Himes