Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival [Live]

Amazon.com
The African Jazz pioneers are to South African Jazz what the Skatalites are to Jamaican ska--not so much a revival of a popular style, but a joyous continuation of one. These guys are the originals and as this live recording attests, they are as energetic, innovative, and swinging as ever. They bring to life old classics like "Skokiaan," a South African tune made into an American hit by Louis Armstrong in the mid-1950s. They breathe fire into Hugh Masekela's "Dark City" and Zacks Nkosis's "Hellfire," and they include plenty of jumping new compositions as well. A standout is the tune Kofifi which is dedicated to the memory of Sophiatown, the township that was the birthplace to much of South Africa's Jazz and modern cultural history. The town was torn down during the Apartheid era, but as is apparent from this release, the music refused to die. This CD features excellent ensemble playing throughout, plenty of great solos, terrific horn and sax arrangements, and outstanding guitar work. This impeccable recording puts you in the audience to experience the excitement of the African Jazz Pioneers, Live! --Jeff Grubb

Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival,The African Jazz Pioneers,Intuition,Africa,Jazz,Marabi,Pop,South Africa,Township Jazz,World Fusion

Jazz Music: