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Jesse Mogale: Heritage from an African Continent
ByOpening, fittingly, with "Dedication to our Mother," the leader, his brother Moss Mogale (on guitar), the rest of the rhythm section and a multi-horn frontline explore the draw of maternally-shaped memories painted in deep-hued harmony and swing. The title track follows, leaning on Sepedi culture, adopting dancing rhythmic sensibilities and shining with the warm and welcoming blend of Ntsikelelo Mcwabe's flugelhorn, Sydney Mnisi's flute and Kopano Mashile's trombone. Then a complete shift in tone and texture takes hold when Mogale jettisons all but his axe and Tshepo Monareng's piano for a charming trip through Mackay Davashe's well-known "Lakutshon' Ilanga."
In moving deeper into the program, Mogale reveals how his heart beats. "Tribute to Bro' Moss" is a joyous stroll honoring his band mate and older sibling, a clear formative influence. "Homeless Child" uses an aching arco introduction to set the scene for a powerfully buoyant and honest look at a worldwide crisis. "Harvest Song," drawing on Marabi music's ebullience, finds a nonet radiating positive vibes. And the intimate setting of "Tranquility," for trombone, bass and piano, points to a goal state and logical end point, playing as an invocation and act of acceptance. There's more that's created before that conclusion spoken words, virtuous vocals, tributes and tributaries connecting one idea to anotherand there's certainly plenty that might follow in the future. But, for the moment, Jesse Mogale's musical inscriptions about the nature of heritage, cemented clearly with this album, are more than enough.
Track Listing
Dedication to Our Mother; Heritage from an African Continent; Lakutshon' Ilanga'; Tribute to Bro' Moss; Homeless Child; Nakana Ya Mokhura; I Remember Bro Les and Bro Cooper; Harvest Song; Short Stories; Things Finally Get Better; Lullaby for an African Child; Tranquility.
Personnel
Jess Mogale
bassAdditional Instrumentation
Mthunzi Mvubu: alto saxophone; Sydney Mnisi: tenor saxophone, flute; Ntsikelelo Mcwabe: trumpet, flugelhorn; Kopano Mashile: trombone; Tshepo Monareng: piano; Moss Mogale: guitar; Manqoba Manku: drums; Albert Brewin: drums; Bucco Xaba: drums; Mbulelo Marwanqana: percussion; Daisy Mangwato: vocals; Octavia Rachabane: vocals;
Album information
Title: Heritage from an African Continent | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: JAYMOG MUSIC