Hugh Masekela spent much of his life in exile from his native South
Africa – with the fall of apartheid, he finally returned to his
homeland and found quite a disparate musical landscape, where the
contributions of young black South Africans was basically being
marginalized by the powers that be. Time has changed that, however, and
“Revival” is Masakela’s very first album that he feels reflects the
current musical trends in South Africa, which combine elements of jazz,
hip-hop and rap with ethnic South African musical influences. There’s a
great deal to like here, especially if your leanings lead you towards a
more adventurous “world music” mix. Only a few of the twelve tracks
here really resemble more traditional jazz, but Masekela still takes
time to offer trademark super-smooth solos on the trumpet and
flugelhorn. Standout tracks include After Tears, Fresh Air and For The
Love of You.
Sound quality from Telarc and Heads Up is first-rate – another Red Book
CD that blurs the distinction between CD and hi-resolution sound. An
eclectic melange of styles and sounds, no doubt, but very highly
recommended!
Tracks: After Tears; Woman of the Sun; Spring; District Six; Open the
Door; Nontsokolo; Fresh Air; Smoke; Ibala Lam; Sleep; For the Love of
You; Working Underground.
— Tom Gibbs
