Customer Reviews

Township Jazz N Jive

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

 

 

"Township Jazz 'N' Jive" is nothing less than one of my all-time favorite CDs. On an initial listen, I was flabbergasted by what my ears heard: vintage R&B and Jazz performed through an African filter. This isn't World Music or Afropop; this is straight Jazz and R&B performed with a South African twist. Qualities include strong improvisation, vocals, melodies and song writing. The instrumentals are especially stirring. The sound quality is stellar, especially considering the time period and economic environment. Just as Blues and Jazz flourished in America (despite or because of segregation), Swing flowered in South Africa (despite or because of apartheid) in the 1950's. This music will delight those who appreciate American roots music like Blues, Ragtime, Jazz, etc. The liner notes are very informative in explaining the history of Marabi music. The art work is beyond hip. Since this recording, I've been through a dozen discs seeking additional music in this obscure genre. Some of the discs just repeat these songs but mostly I've found diamonds in the rough. Thus, this is the ultimate compilation of Marabi music. It's tragic that this gem is out-of-print; if you can afford the marketplace sellers' extravagant prices, "Township Jazz 'N' Jive" is worth it.

A stellar collection of South African pop music from the 1940s and '50s -- probably the best introduction to the "jive" style that you can find, and fairly easy to track down. American swing and pop vocal styles are gloriously transmuted into delectable melodic forms -- the perfect thing to put on some day when you're down in the dumps and want to feel really, really warm and fuzzy. This disc features the best artists of the time, the recordings of many of whom are maddeningly impossible to find anywhere else. Especially cool are Miriam Makeba's original vocal ensemble, The Skylarks, and the beautiful pennywhistle music of groups such as the Solven Whistlers. This is a fun, fascinating album, and highly, highly recommended!

The songs on this CD deserve to be in every juke box in the country -- NOW! Besides being an infectious and unforgettable array of South African classics, you'll hear songs that reflect American Jazz influence and inspiration for American Do-Wop music of the fifties (listen to the Manhattan Brothers "ooh maw maw" chorus). Check out Solomon Linda's Original Evening Birds doing a soulful version of the "Weemaway song." This is a timeless CD that deserves its place in every college dorm, every party, and every dancehall in the country.

Almost everything on this extraordinary out-of-print compilation is also on one that, as of this writing, is in print: "African Jazz 'n' Jive", a 2007 release that also adds a few other great numbers. The only tracks missing from this disc -- two by the Manhattan Brothers -- are replaced by a superior one from the same group. A full review is posted under the listing for that title; here I'll simply say that if you're curious enough to have looked this one up, you'll be very glad you bought the other.

the first song is off the hook. i'm a choreographer in new orleans. found this song. loved it and used it for a modern dance. we all love the song after rehearsing to it for hours. the four yanks are fabulous. will publish dance on utube as soon as i can/

A stellar collection of South African pop music from the 1940s and '50s -- probably the best introduction to the "jive" style that you can find, and fairly easy to track down. American swing and pop vocal styles are gloriously transmuted into delectable melodic forms -- the perfect thing to put on some day when you're down in the dumps and want to feel really, really warm and fuzzy. This disc features the best artists of the time, the recordings of many of whom are maddeningly impossible to find anywhere else. Especially cool are Miriam Makeba's original vocal ensemble, The Skylarks, and the beautiful pennywhistle music of groups such as the Solven Whistlers. This is a fun, fascinating album, and highly, highly recommended!

We listen to this CD where I work as a salesperson and it's a perfect mix of relaxing and upbeat sounds. I like it enough that I need one for myself! Great for creative stimulation and a good addition to anyone's music collection.

This is a great CD of swing music from South Africa in the late 50s and early 60s. The energy and freshness of these songs are fantastic, and the period recordings reinforce the image of being in some little club in Capetown, listening to some tof the best bands that you've never heard.