Randy Weston - Little Niles (1958)

Randy Weston’s Little Niles is his last record before an immersion into traditional African music that would change the sound of his work for the remainder of his life and career. The later transition offered the world so much rich, unique music, but this album is an excellent, spirited take on Monk’s bop and larger ensemble compositions made colorful by great players and Melba Liston’s (great female arranger and trombonist) orchestrating. There’s also a humor to the music, especially on songs like “Nice Ice,” that feels unmistakably New York-like. Man, what can’t music do?