Smooth Africa
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Description
Over 100 years ago, Joe Brown & the Brothers Band, a minstrel group from New York, performed in Cape Town, South Africa. To this day, a festival honoring their performance is celebrated there, and ever since that day, South African culture has, more than any African nation, mirrored American culture. So it should come as no surprise that there's a vibrant smooth-jazz scene emerging in the re-building nation. This compilation's marquee talent comes in two of South Africa's most well-known contemporary jazz musicians, Hugh Masekela and Jonathan Butler. In addition, two of the most distinct soloists on the Heads Up roster, keyboardist Joe McBride and the magnificent steel drum player Andy Narell, join with a host of rising South African musicians to deliver a radio friendly American product that could've just as easily been recorded in Los Angeles as in South Africa. The CD's 12 tracks are heavy on the "smooth" and light on the "Africa." In fact, it's not until Jimmy Dludlu starts his haunting scat-guitar vocal on track three, "Point of View," before any true South African music is heard. The middle sections of the album make this record a keeper, including Narell's gem "Mpule," Butler's rendition of "Manenberg"-- written by the famed South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly Dollar Brand)--and "Tazara Express." The latter tune features trumpeter Ian Smith, who surprisingly comes off sounding better on brass than Masekela. But Masakela--not Smith--beckons smooth-jazz lovers to go back and discover his more authentic South African jazz recordings. --Mark Ruffin
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If You Like Jazz, you'll Appreciate This CDWednesday, March 02, 2005
I couldn't resist picking up this CD for the simple fact that I purchased the follow-up to this one and it was one of the best African Jazz CD's I've heard in a long while. This unique CD gives you the opportunity to listen to some of the jazz greats from the Continent. The listener is introduced to a smooth blend of melodies that capture the imagination no matter where you are and the instruments are a harmony that touches your soul. Pick it up soon, you'll like it!
2 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Not just a gimmickFriday, April 18, 2003
don't turn away because of africa in the title. open your ears to some gorgeous music. jazzheads, smoothies...this disc is for anyone who loves good music. i play it all the time and recommend it to everybody i know. buy it!
2 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Smooth AfricaFriday, August 17, 2001
An excellent blend of smooth jazz with an African flavor. All my students enjoy it. They have often asked to hear the album when they are doing written work in class. It's not easy to please middle school students with something other than pop, rap, or hip-hop.[Definately "kid approved".]
5 out of 5 people found the following review helpful:
A must for your jazz collectionMonday, May 01, 2000
If you were not a jazz fan before listening to "Smooth Africa", you will be after it's completion. This CD is one of the best I have heard in a long time. The music is definetely smooth and mellow. It's unique'ness comes from the blend of the African and American jazz. A must hear CD.
5 out of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Great AlbumWednesday, April 12, 2000
The stunning album shows the depth and diversity of the music coming from Africa -Ebony Magazine April 2000