2010-06-14
Strut Records concludes a three-CD set of early South African music by highlighting that country's jazz musicians of the '60s, '70s and '80s. While many prominent artists fled South Africa for the safer and richer shores of the U.S. and Europe, these musicians stayed and kept jazz alive. Some interesting stuff here -- you can hear the roots of what Hugh Masekela wound up doing with "Grazin' in the Grass" in 1968. The Malombo cuts are the ones that fuse jazz and African rhythms the most extensively. That these artists could play so skillfully during a time of great repression is amazing. Such is the power of music. 06/10 Michael J.DENNIS ROLLINS VELOCITY TRIO
The 11th Gate
SOMI
If the Rains Come First
River Rogues Jazz Band
From Fats to Satch
PETE CHRISTLIEB & HADLEY CALIMAN
Reunion
LARRY GOLDINGS
In My Room
THE BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET
Classified
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