Jazz In South Africa - Township Jazz From The Golden Age

South Africa is in fact the only country in the whole African continent that has developed a strong Jazz tradition. Initially influenced by the great American stylists, (Ellington, Gillespie...) South Africa gradually developed its own soulful style based on a distinctive taste for melody and a deep sense of groove. Masterfully selected from the so-called Golden Age of the genre, (late Fifties / early Sixties), this compilation represents the best introduction to the work of a large and varied body of musicians and composers who inevitably developed their music as part of the historical Anti-Apartheid struggle, and as means of self expression in the dark times of exile. Kippie Moeketsi, Hugh Masekela, Dollar Brand, Chris McGregor, Dudu Pukwana, Mongesi Feza, Barney Rabachan, Nick Moyake and of course the queen Miriam Makeba are just some of the main voices represented here. A bunch of true warriors. in one word: A must!

Tracklist:

Side A

1 John Mehegan – Mabomvana
2 The Jazz Epistles - Uku-Jonga Phambili
3 Dollar Brand Trio - Eclipse At Dawn
4 Miriam Makeba - Ngola Kurila

Side B

1 Chris McGregor and The Castle Lager Big Band – Switch
2 Gideon Nxumalo - Chopi Chopsticks
3 Miriam Makeba - Love Tastes Like Strawberries
4 Dollar Brand – Gafsa