T.K. Blue Brings Randy Weston's African Rhythms to SFJAZZ

Show Notes

Saxophonist, composer, and educator TK Blue joins host Steve Roby to celebrate one of jazz's great live traditions — the music and legacy of NEA Jazz Master Dr. Randy Weston, recorded on what would have been Weston's 100th birthday: April 6th, 2025.

TK Blue was Weston's longtime musical director and arranger, performing with him for nearly 40 years alongside legends like Don Cherry, Miriam Makeba, Archie Shepp, and Pharaoh Sanders. In this conversation, TK shares his musical roots growing up in Long Island with Caribbean parents, studying jazz in New York City with Jimmy Heath, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and others through programs like Jazzmobile. He also talks about how a chance encounter at an anti-apartheid fundraiser in Brooklyn — with only a piccolo in his pocket — launched his decades-long journey with Randy Weston.

We explore the deep philosophy behind Weston's music: the African rhythmic diaspora, the African civilizations that predate slavery, and the concept of music as a sacred art that unites people of all backgrounds. TK also shares an unforgettable story about opening a hotel door for a mystery photographer in Paris — who turned out to be Henri Cartier-Bresson — and the peaceful, dignified way Randy Weston made his transition in September 2018.

Songs Featured in This Episode:

“The Wise One Speaks” — TK Blue, from the album The Rhythms Continue

“Kasbah 330A” — TK Blue, from the album The Rhythms Continue

Music provided by TK Blue and used with his permission.

🎷 See TK Blue & The African Rhythms Alumni Ensemble Live:

SFJAZZ – Joe Henderson Lab, San Francisco

Centennial Tribute to Randy Weston

April 10–12, 2025

Friday & Saturday: 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM

Sunday: 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM

🎟️ Tickets: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/25-26/african-rhythms-alumni-ensemble/

Museum of the African Diaspora (MOAD) – FREE Event

Saturday, April 11 at 1:00 PM

🔗 https://www.moadsf.org/event/moad-sfjazz-present-african-rhythms-alumni-quintet