Customer Reviews

Rough Guide to South African Jazz

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Strictly speaking, this Cd isn't just S/A jazz but what is commonly known as "Township Jive, " the Jazz and R&B flavored music of South Africa's ghettoes. But whatever you call it, it's VERY good stuff and this Cd will please both initiates and longtime fans of the genre with its melodic and rhythmic selections. The selection with Miriam Makeba and her early group the Skylarks is particularly appealing. If you have this already, it's a good way to turn your friends to this wonderful genre of music. Show them what Paul Simon was talking about.

From first to last track, this CD is an outstanding collection of music which is either unavailable elsewhere, or very, very difficult to find (at least in Chicago). Every song on this collection is pure joy: South African pop sensibilities flavoring rich jazz. A tape of this CD is one of my steadfast driving partners, remaining in my car as other titles shuffle in and out. My only complaint is that there isn't more: I want another disk!

This CD is a must for anyone into Jazz music, from Contemporary Jazz to Classical, this album is one of a kind. With the various bands and sounds, you can get a good feel for what it might be like being in South Africa at a club enjoying a nice meal. With 16 songs on the album and a total of 73 minutes of playing time, you are bound to enjoy loads of fun and relaxation!

I seldom write reviews for Amazon because I don't have a lot of time, but this CD is one of the best I've heard in the past several years. I've enjoyed every single track--for me it's definitely the best of the 30 Rough Guide collections I've heard to date. Fifteen years ago, listening to a program about "African music" on NPR I started chasing what I'd heard -- and now I know it was South African. Reminds me a bit of modern Brazilian jazz. My ears are reveling in all these sounds and beats. I want more!

If this disc does indeed represent the best of South African jazz, it's somewhat surprising.

The tracks are at best derivative of far better groups working in the US and Europe. You'll find C- Metheny (without the mixed meters or the superb solos) and D- Marsalis (hinting at the blues but never capturing the essence and never, but never, daring to use anything remotely approaching a substitute chord or much in the way of a chromatic modulation).

I took a chance on this disc. I know jazz well (and studied it at a US conservatory). I was looking for some young, out of the region turks. What I found was sadly derivative, uninventive and technically naive. A mediocre two year college band in the US could play circles around these cats...

The Rough Guide series often disappoints serious listeners. This disc fits squarely in that category. Easy listening, OK, but there are better US bands out there. Serious or interesting currents in jazz? Not here; not even close.

i made the mistake of thinking that this would be african music, but every time i play i swear it i swear it's just another jazz festival gathering. i am absolutely certain that there are more South African jazz musicians with character than are represented here. i would say if you like jazz, then sure, but if you're looking for good African music, check out the rough guides to Senegal & Gambia, Cape Verde (sweet!! bluesy and jazzy), or Music of Africa.