Even though this 1994 date was titled Introducing Talib Kibwe, the alto and soprano saxophonist/flutist was hardly new to jazz at the time. Kibwe had been directing Randy Weston's various bands since the early '80s, and had previously recorded as a leader (although Introducing Talib Kibwe marked the first time one of his CDs was widely distributed). A satisfying, if conventional, post-bop/hard bop outing, Introducing Talib Kibwe finds the improviser joined by pianist Aaron Graves, trombonist Benny Powell, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, and drummer Cecil Brooks III (who produced the album). While there aren't a lot of surprises, Kibwe is in good form on both his own material and frequently done standards like Star Eyes, Tadd Dameron's Hot House, and Clifford Brown's Joy Spring. Kibwe's Blues from Jali has an angular, Thelonious Monk-ish quality, whereas other Kibwe originals such as Kim, Portrait of Lois Marie, Heaven Scent, and The Lady in White are much more lyrical. Though not as interesting as some of the Weston albums that Kibwe was employed on, Introducing Talib Kibwe is a decent effort that has more pluses than minuses. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi

1		Is That So?
2		Joy Spring
3		Heaven Scent
4		Hot House
5		The Lady in White
6		Hi-Fly
7		Kim
8		Blues from Jali
9		Portrait of Lois Marie
10		Star Eyes

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