South Africa music reviews

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Music reviews for "South Africa" sorted by average review score:

Live in South Africa

Released in Audio CD by Heads Up (24 April, 2001)

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Artist: Andy Narell

Tracks:

Play One For Keith
Kalinda
Out Of The Blue
Jenny's Room
Coffee Street
Hannibal's Revenge
Sugar Street
Chakalaka
Little Secrets
Heads Or Tails
Mpule
Oxamu

Here's steel-pan player Andy Narell performing with a stellar band from South Africa. He wrote 11 of the 12 songs on this two-CD set, and they all display his distinctive compositional style of globally mapped contemporary jazz. For that, the band sounds easily as good, if not better, than any Narell has assembled, including the Caribbean Jazz Project, and his early 1980s band with guitarist Steve Erquiaga. The first CD features the Narell with a couple of notable solos from the sidemen, particularly on "Jenny's Room," but it is on the second disc, with its longer tunes, that the rest of the band is allowed more solo space. They don't disappoint. It's also on the latter disc--on "Chakalaka" and "Mpule" particularly--where the Johannesburg township groove that permeates the music of Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, and so many others from South Africa is in Narell's grasp. Guitarist Louis Mhlanga is a revelation on "Chakalaka" and "Little Secrets," and every time the spotlight is turned on pianist Andile Yenana, he stands out with thoughtful solos. --Mark Ruffin

Average review score: South Africa music reivew

rhythm in the blood

Usually I don't like this steel-drum-stuff. But this time I made the right choice. This music goes straight from your ears into your legs. Whenever I listen to this cd I can't stand still. I can literally visualize how the crowd went mad while they were on that concert. It's really worth listening at and maybe you may like steel-drums after all too. Have a try.

Solid Live Effort

When I first heard Andy Narell on the radio in Chicago in 1979, I knew I had to add his music to my nascent jazz collection. This was right at the beginning of his career, before his Windham Hill/Hip Pocket association, before the Caribbean Jazz Project, before his Heads Up International association. He was on a tiny, now-defunct indie jazz label, the name of which slips my mind, and he was playing stuff I'd never heard before. Yes, I'd heard steel drum music before, and yes, I'd heard jazz before, but never steel drum jazz.

To these ears, his music was unique, and it has remained so throughout four decades. Indeed, he pioneered a new type of fusion--jazz and up-beat Caribbean. Dizzy and others had fused jazz with Afro-Cuban music, and Egberto Gismonti was fusing jazz with Afro-Brazilian music, but no one was doing what Narell did. If the trail he blazed hasn't had a lot of followers (one thinks of Monty Alexander's two ivory and steel discs and the Oliver Lake Steel Quartet's Kinda Up--a very fine release, by the way), it's probably as much because of the difficulty of mastering this approach as well as Narell's unique command of his instrument as any deficiency in Narell's music per se.

The jazz press has generally dismissed Narell, regarding him as Not A Serious Artist. And he's taken quite a beating from them on this latest release. No, it's not his best and it's hard to listen to both discs straight through without at least a little boredom setting in, but there's still a lot of very good music here. If you're at all interested in what I call jazz beat (real jazz filtered through the lens of some indiginous folk music), you really should check out Andy Narell. This is probably as good a place to start as any, seeing that his best discs, his Windham Hill releases Slow Motion (available as an import), Light in Your Eyes, Stickman, and Little Secrets are no longer available. Of the Heads Up releases, Beyond the Bridge is probably the best, but it's a little stripped down, lacking the impact of his usual kick-butt band.

In any case, do yourself a favor and check out this remarkable world musician.

My First Andy Narell Title

I first heard of Andy Narell while I was listening to the NPR radio program, 'The World'. The played serveral tracks from this cd and I fell in love with it instantly. Since I have purchased it, it has remained in my cd player almost contantly. It is good to listen to just about any time. I have not heard any of Andy's previous cd's so I have nothing else of his to compare it to, but I can say that I really enjoy this cd!

Sixty

Released in Audio CD by Shanachie (13 June, 2000)

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Artist: Hugh Masekela

Tracks:

Mbombela
Mamoriri
Thanayi
Fela
Ziphi'nkomo
Tamati so so
Nomalizo
Lizzy
Bo Masekela
Been such a long time gone
Shango
Mgewundini
Koshana

The legendary South African flugelhornist had a great idea to celebrate his 60th birthday: put together a great crew of fellow countrymen and women musicians and singers, and lead them in colorful, powerfully rhythmic performances of some of the nation's most beloved songs. In showcasing so many fine singers and supporting players, though, it's Masekela's horn that occasionally gets lost in the mix. There it is over the rolling guitar and vocal choir explosions of "Mgewundini," taking a peppy solo that alternates staccato and smooth segments. And the disc opens with his horn as part of a brass section as well as taking a quick solo on "Fela," where Masekela's still relegated to weaving through the vocal inflections. On the gentle caressing ballad "Bo Masekela," he finally takes center stage with a moody performance that evolves into a percussive improvisation. He repeats the favor on the soulful, retro-funk-driven arrangement of "Ziphi'Nkomo," creating a balance for all the early fire with a simple, smoky statement. Many of the early songs on the disc feature that ever zippy rolling guitar line South African music is known for, but later tracks, like the tropical-flavored, steel-pan-inflected "Tamati So So," are a bit more easygoing, even seductive. As much fun as all the music here are the colorful liner notes, in which Masekela relates clever anecdotes about the history of these tunes. Some, like "Fela," are from his own catalog, while others ("Thanayi," "Mbombela") date back to the 1950s and earlier. --Jonathan Widran

Average review score: South Africa music reivew

Not One of Hugh Masekela's Best

It's wonderful that this oustanding musician is still active at 60! I love Masekela's trumpet and musicianship, but this album is disappointing. The trumput sound has aged well, but Masekela's voice, which lacks any subtlety and resonance, is overpowering on this album.

I agree with david-smedley (reviewer) that the instrumental tracks are the best on the album, but the vocal tracks dominate. I just know a few of Hugh's albums, but I do find "Hope" and "Beatin Aroun de Bush" much more appealing.

Sixty Years Young -- no "Grazin' in the Grass"

Masekela's new recording, "Sixty", celebrates his sixtieth birthday with an interesting mix of South African rhythms, particularly in the form of various tribal love/marriage songs, and the organization of the recording revolves around music that has influenced Masekela's life. This is especially so in his warm liner note words for this fellow South African composer, Caiphus Semenya, songs of which Masekela has recorded many (in addition to having played with him on some recordings as well). The Semenya-penned track, "Ziphi'nkomo" is an instrumental recording of the song -- a beautiful recording that is actually part of a three-song instrumental set on the cd. The first is "Bo Masekela", a re-recording of a tune Masekela did on his album, "The Americanization of Ooga Booga", a very cheery, upbeat tribal love/marriage song entitled, "Tamati so so" (with what sounds like marimbas in the background, somewhat unusual for Masekela -- at least in my experience of his music), and "Ziphi'nkomo".

If you are looking for a cd that mirrors the musical culture of South Africa, this certainly fits the bill. It's without a doubt the best Hugh Masekela non-live recording since "Uptownship" (1989). His singing is getting a little more gravely with age, but the strength of this recording is clearly the straight instrumental tracks, which are played with deep feeling and emotion.

If there is a weakness, it is in the printing of the liner notes, which contain some egregious spelling mistakes of words and performer/composer names -- something that maybe Shanachie, his label, should immediately rectify.

Not grazzin in the grass, but still bad.

This is an excellent sounding CD. The recording is great and the music sounds like a call to the motherland:-) Seriously, it is quite creative even though you cannot you may not understand the lyrics due to it being in a South African language. As creative as was his composition in the 60s, "Grazzin in the Grass", there are cuts on this CD that lets you know Hugh has grown tremendously musically speaking. I can't articulate it, you'll have to listen for yourself. The music is awesome. While he's not grazzin in the grass, Hugh proves, he's still bad!!!! Even at 60.

Grazing in the Grass: The Best of Hugh Masekela

Released in Audio CD by Sony (23 October, 2001)

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Artist: Hugh Masekela

Tracks:

Grazing In The Grass
Vasco Da Gama (The Sailor Man)
Khauleza
Ziph'inkomo
Mama
Chileshe
Market Place
Don't Go Lose It Baby
Strawberries
Thanayi
African Secret Society
Ha Le Se Le Li Khanna
Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela)
Stimela (Coal Train)

In 1968, a little-known South African-born trumpeter and flugelhornist named Hugh Masakela released an instrumental single called "Grazing in the Grass." Its catchy, percussive rhythms and jazzy horn lines made it an international hit, and turned Masakela into an overnight star. This compilation contains 14 of Masakela's most celebrated tracks recorded from the '60s to the '90s. These "greatest hits" show how Masakela ingeniously blends a fiery, post-bop trumpet style with African-American R&B and African rhythms, and long before the term "world music" came into vogue. Included on this collection is the Cuban cha-cha laced "Vasco Da Gama," the melancholy Miriam Makeba classic, "Strawberries," and the anti-apartheid anthem, "Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela)." Hugh Masakela has been, and will continue to be, an importance force in the world of music. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Average review score: South Africa music reivew

Maybe give it 2 1/2 or 3....of course

I don't know 'bout this one 'cuz it maybe the one I'm livin' 4 right there. Not to say I hate it, but it's still good tho. It needs a lot of energy of the songs that Hugh is playing. Love the sound that he's doing on his flugelhorn. He's is definitely the next Miles Davis or Donald Byrd perhaps. Maybe even Chuck Mangione for example. He's actually a mentor I can depend on. Sooner or later, I maybe a mentor like him. 2 me I'm real good on playing the trumpet 'cuz that's a gift from God. Hope u recommend this to anybody who loves to hear good trumpet music.

a decent start on is Music,but

there are better overall Compilations on Hugh Masekela. now the title cut grooves&He has a signature Trumpet style of his own.there is alot more to His Talents&other stylings of Creativity that He has done over time.this is a decent Start,but you have to seek it out.

FANTASTIC

What a cool sensation this record is! Just let it wash over you like a warm summer breeze. The sophisticated, jazzy horn and outrageously melodic pieces on this CD are just wonderful - most notably Grazing In The Grass, with its infectious joy and Strawberries, with its interesting melody and wonderful, melancholy vocals. A must for everyone.

The Best of Hugh Masekela on Novus

Released in Audio CD by RCA (18 May, 1999)

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Artist: Hugh Masekela

Tracks:

Emavungweni
Sekunjalo
Polina
Ngena (A Cappella)
Batsumi
No Woman No Cry
Elijah
Ngena Ngena
Languta
Uptownship

Average review score: South Africa music reivew

"Can't Believe"

I can't believe that the title of this cd is the best of Hugh Masekela. One of his most commercial success recordings, "Grazing in the grass" is not on this cd. "Riot", and "Puffin on the the track" are other commercial tunes that he recorded that aren't on this cd. How in the world can any one call something the best of, with out putting the best of on the cd. Who ever titled this cd, needs to be musically educated on and about MR. Masekela music.

T. LA.California

Trully His Best

This cd is a true South African musical experience! I'm very grateful for the selections chosen for the Best of Hugh Masekela! The cuts represent the sounds of his community, one can almost feel the breezes and smell the aromas of the townships through Masekela's talented trumpet. If you can afford only one Masekela cd now, or if you're just starting to listen to Hugh Masekela's music - this is the cd for you!

Nzingha G.

Trully His Best

Nzingha G.

Keep Me in Mind

Released in Audio CD by Drg (12 March, 2002)

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Artist: Miriam Makeba

Tracks:

Lumumba
For What It's Worth
Brand New Day
I Shall Sing
Kulala
In My Life
Donw On the Corner
Ibande
Measure the Valleys
Tululu

Average review score: South Africa music reivew

keep me in mind

this recording in no way does any justice to mother africa. she sings american songs, with american music and i found it to be a total and complete waste of time and money. a terrible disappointment.

Do what she says.

Before the reissue of this record on CD, I was under the mistaken impression that all of Miriam's recordings were traditional, such as 1988's Sangoma. I stand corrected with this album. Apparently, most of the world already knew she was more than a little adept at jazz, pop and funk as well. On KEEP ME IN MIND she expertly blends styles through some popular tunes of the day (Down on the Corner, In My Life, and a highlight for me, Stephen Stills' For What it's Worth),with her own compositions (Lumumba, Kulala) and a couple of Van Morrison tunes (Brand New Day, I Shall Sing). Miriam wrote new liner notes regarding her career and a recent Three Divas tour with Odetta and Nina Simone. What a show that must have been! On the back she writes "To all my friends, fans and enemies alike: Please keep me in mind, for what it's worth. It's a brand new day for me." It may be 32 years later, but I will do what she says.