Randy Weston’s "Little Niles" has become a kind of modern jazz standard. Beautiful and very interesring tune in 3/4 that lends itself well to different approaches in interpretation. Comparing an instrumental version to a vocal version is not really a fair comparison for me and I couldn’t begin to pick a "favorite" between the two. Weston’s version of his own tune is wonderful with a subtle underlying Latin feel and some of the best playing by Cecil Payne that I have heard (not my favorite baritone player, but perfect for this setting). Abby Lincoln sounds sublime singing this tune and the slower tempo and more subtle approach give the tune a Kurt Weill flavor. Art Farmer interjects some tasty touches on flugelhorn as does Benny Golson on tenor. Great stuff!
Although I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite between Weston’s and this other instrumental version, for me, a more relevant comparison might be to:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ibLAar4BafE
Abbey Lincoln singing Kurt Weill, and one of my very favorite songs and favorite lyrics:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wwV01ddvLto
Happy Easter to all!
Although I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite between Weston’s and this other instrumental version, for me, a more relevant comparison might be to:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ibLAar4BafE
Abbey Lincoln singing Kurt Weill, and one of my very favorite songs and favorite lyrics:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wwV01ddvLto
Happy Easter to all!