Customer Reviews

Shaka Zulu

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The CD proves that elegance and soul can come together beautifully. LBM are a refined product of traditional South African choral singing, that provides the special flavor to modern SA popular music. This is a music radiating with love. It is puzzling how people who have been the object of so much hate and oppression produce music that is pure love. But then the same can be asked about soul music in America. There is no instrumental accompaniment here. The singers use occasional hand claps and foot stomping to add rhythmic intensity to the songs. Most songs are sang in Zulu, but English may be heard here and there. Although the music is very vibrant and moving, it is not dance music. It is a music to listen to and get immersed in, as it grows more beautiful each time. To me the songs never sound the same, and each offers a different feel and mood. An essential part of any music collection.

Whether you know it or not, you're familiar with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. If you're a Paul Simon fan, you heard the South African male group on the haunting "Homeless" and "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" from the "Graceland" album. If not, you know them as "The Lifesaver Commercial Guys." They sang about all the flavors in the TV commercial.

"Shaka Zulu" was their first album available worldwide after being given global exposure by Paul Simon on the Graceland Tour, and it is unbelievable. Their harmony and intricate rhythms, kept in check by headman Joseph Shabalala is amazing, with such a wide range of voices, and the songs are just as good.

The only problem I have with the album is that a lot of the songs sound the same and have the same basic structure. But I'm unable to fully appreciate the songs because I don't speak the language. I'm sure if I knew what they were saying, I would be able to enjoy the album on a higher level.

Overall, however, this is a great album by a great group.

After hearing the stirring 'Homeless' and 'Diamonds on the Souls of her shoes' featured on Paul Simon's album Graceland years ago I had to track down these guys. What a GREAT album. I have many of their CDs and this one has track after track of wonderful songs (Wawusho Kubani is one of my all time favorites). See them in concert if at all possible. Spike lee did a mini-documentary (Do it A Cappella) that featured LBM and other A Cappella bands. LBM and the Mint Juleps got together for the greatest version of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' that I've heard. A CD of the documentary is out as well - a must see/hear!

I have put it in my cd case when I am working on the road, I've taken it into my massage therapy office to listen to while working on clients, I play it when cleaning around the house... this is one of my most favored, versitile cd's in my collection. I find it relaxing when I need to unwind, and uplifting when I am feeling sluggish. It certainly will not to appeal to all tastes. Not everyone enjoys acapella harmonies or listening to music that is not in ones own language, so I cannot make a blanket "thumbs up" for each taste. If you enjoyed the beginning of the song, "Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes" on Paul Simon's *Graceland* cd, you have a pretty good taste of what this cd offers (sans Paul Simon)... and even more so.

Thought I would give Ladysmith a try based on the good reviews it received here and was not dissapointed. The tracks are very rythmic and uplifting. The recording is very good.

A capella music at its absolute finest, this disc is perfect for a quiet evening or a Sunday morning.

Stirring and powerful, Black Mambazo dispenses with all pretense, leaving an album so simple and disarming as to take your breath away.

Oh, such sweet, sweet memories!! My husband played this CD in our delivery room when our son was born seven years ago. "Time to meditate. I send a messenger to tell you that I want to meet you! Come along, come along to kiss me!"

EVERYONE loves this music! Children, women, men... Am I leaving anyone out? It's sweet, thoughtful, masculine, sometimes playful, sometimes deadly serious, but always hauntingly soulful and lovely music.

you can't go wrong with this cd. it's excellent uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable music.

Even though I do not speak the language of this music I find the rythm very appealing. The translation of the songs is very helpful but truly it is the quality of the sound and beauty of the acapella blend of voices. The only thing that could have made this better would have been to be able to see the group perform.

The beautiful blending of the voices and sounds is a true delight to the senses. "King of Kings" and "Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain" are two of my favorites. There is not a "filler" song on the CD. All the songs are excellent in their own right. Beautifully done gentlemen!