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Various Artists: Putumayo Presents: South Africa
ByThe album jumps up and shouts right from the first track. The Soul Brothers band, which was formed in 1974, has changed its lineup over the years; here, David Masondo and Moses Ngwenya front the band that bring on the upbeat, dance tune "Ujaheni." The beat is relentless in its ability to hook and, with an organ underscoring the catchy melody, this is a potent brew of rhythm and pulse.
The mood shifts to the soothing beauty of Swazi Soul, of which Bholoja turns out to be a fine exponent. He fills "Mbombela" with a sense of urgency, gently churning the waters of the beat atop a chiming acoustic guitar and percussion to create a gorgeous reimaging of a traditional nursery rhyme.
Miriam Makeba's career was marked by several milestones, including being a political activist. She was called Mama Africa, and recorded "Orlando" as a member of The Skylarks, a vocal group that was popular in the 1950s. The song swings deliciously, abetted by clarinet and vocal harmonies; a jazz-inflected tune that is absolutely irresistible.
The Soweto Gospel Choir may well have written the book for a cappella harmonies. They execute their singing with excellence, layering their voices in seamlessly woven textures that rise as comfortably to a hosanna as they dip to an understated exclamation on "Ngahlulele." The passion and the commitment reverberate through every note, as the melody is drawn into the soul of the group's sound.
Some of the other selections bring on the more modern influences. With its manifold styles and grooves, the music on Putmayo Presents: South Africa becomes a joyous voyage of discovery.
Track Listing
Ujaheni; Mbombela; Oxam; Nkosi; Beautiful Feet; Mananga; Orlando; Tiki Tiki; Halala Afrika; Work; Vulamasango; Ngahlulele.
Personnel
Various Artists
variousSoul Brothers; Bholoja; Mahube; Bik sunshine; Nibs van der Spuy; Steve Dyer; Miriam Makeba; Phinda; Johannes Kerkorrel; Zoro; Kaya; Soweto Gospel Choir.
Album information
Title: Putumayo Presents: South Africa | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Putumayo World Music
Comments
About Various Artists
Instrument: Various
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