Customer Reviews

African Jazz 'N Jive

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Flourishing in the townships of apartheid-infected South Africa in the 1950s, small-combo jazz was an anomalous shot of joy. It's a joy that swings just as loud and clear today, on the 24 cuts of this outstanding compilation. Maybe it's their defiance of the government's insistence on their inequality as citizens -- as people -- that gives these musicians the sass driving every number here into your hips and heart. Or maybe they were just responding to each others' delight in making music so straightforward yet so intense.

Played on brass or acoustic guitar, or sung in a fetching blend of jazz and folk inflections, the result has the unshakable bounce of Count Basie's band plus the instant accessibility of pop. And as if that weren't enough, we also get "Mbube," the chanted roundelay that went on to conquer the world as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." This isn't simply some of the best South African music ever made; it's also the most sweet-souled protest music you'll ever hear.

This is a compilation of African Jazz, primarily Sout African artists. I was looking for exactly what I received; good African beats and music that contained non-American talented jazz artists.