Weston, Handy Reunite and 17 Years Fade Away

Pianist Randy Weston and saxophonist John Handy hadn’t played together for 17 years before their reunion Wednesday at the Jazz Bakery. But you wouldn’t have known that from the performance.

Teaming with percussionist Neil Clarke, the two came together as if there had never been a gap in their association. Weston’s originals, some dating to the late ‘50s, when the saxophonist and pianist first worked together, served as a framework for improvisational mingling in which each displayed a deep understanding of the other’s craft as well as an ability to fashion an individual sound in ways that made a perfect fit.

Weston announced each tune as “a variation,” and indeed the numbers often varied widely as they swung through a host of mood and rhythm changes. Even such familiar numbers as Weston’s “Hi-Fly” little resembled themselves as Weston, Handy and Clarke prodded one another into involved exchanges.

Working without a bassist, the trio created its own center of gravity, usually based on Weston’s strong left hand. Percussionist Clarke used a quartet of congas, two plate-sized cymbals, a string of chimes and a table full of rattles, shakers and other assorted noisemakers to propel the music, often in off-beat manner. Above this chatter, Handy floated long puffy lines, sometimes stated in soft-cloud-like tones blown away from the microphone, occasionally punctuated with contrasting, steely sharp notes blown directly into the mike.

“Blues to Africa” showcased the pianist’s ability to fuse African rhythms with bluesy feeling. “Afro-Black” featured a solo piano introduction full of Thelonious Monk-inspired chords and unpredictable rhythmic accents. Unlike Monk, Weston integrates the quirks and off-kilter chords so that they fall smoothly into place, rather than jumping out at the listener. Call him a Monk with manners.

Only at the beginning of “Little Miles” did Handy seem tentative, playing with an aloofness that suggested he wasn’t quite sure of the tune. But he redeemed himself during a long, vibrant solo that found him crying out in the upper register, though at reserved volume, near the end of a series of particularly emotional phrases. Old friends always have some catching up to do.

* Randy Weston, John Handy and Neil Clarke play the Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., tonight and Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ($20) and 10:15 p.m. ($17); and Sunday, 4 p.m. ($18) and 8 p.m. ($20). (310) 271-9039.