Jazz Articles

Winston Mankunku and Mike Perry: Jika

by AAJ Staff
July 10, 2002

Jika, the first full-fledged collaboration bewteen South African saxophonist Mankunku and keyboard player Mike Perry, is an unqualified success. As an authentic statement, this record demands that you accept it on its own terms. That's not difficult, given the understated, simmering pulse that runs throughout--and the soaring, open melodies which give it shape. But on the other hand, it's equally important not to impose a jazz-purist sensibility on this recording, because the rich overtones of the South African tradition play ...

Winston Mankunku: Molo Africa

by AAJ Staff
June 10, 2002

If saxophonist Winston Mankunku's 1968 masterpiece Yakhal'Inkomo was a high point for modern jazz, then 1998's Molo Africa represents an unabashed retreat to his South African roots. In case you're wondering, those roots run deep. (Think mbaqanga if you're familiar with South African styles.)

Molo Africa is a celebration of melody in uncomplicated harmonic settings, pulling its energy from the voices sailing on top (in many cases, Mankunku on tenor). The third tune, “Lagunya Khayelitsha," offers a very straightforward progression ...