Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Ibala Lam
2. Boy's Doin' It
3. Ashiko
4. Ha le Se
5. Stimela
6. Lady
7. Grazing in the Grass
8. Mandela

Disc 2:

1. Thuma Mina
2. Up Township
3. Happy Mama
4. District Six
5. Market Place
6. Khauleza
7. Thanayi

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #93464 in Music
• Released on: 2007-07-17
• Number of discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

Amazon.com
Born in South Africa in 1939, flugelhorn, trumpet, and cornet virtuoso Hugh Masekela was inspired by American jazz as a young boy and served an extensive apprenticeship with some of his homeland's musical giants. In 1959, he and pianist Dollar Brand (aka Abdullah Ibrahim) formed the legendary Jazz Epistles, but after a brutal government crackdown on political opposition, Masekela and a host of other artists and intellectuals fled the country. A long but fruitful period followed, during which he worked with Yehudi Menuhin, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Harry Belefonte, Miriam Makeba (his ex-wife), Herb Alpert, and Paul Simon, consolidating his reputation abroad. He achieved mainstream hits such as "Grazing In The Grass," and, later on, his South African-born musical, Sarafina, achieved iconic status. The present two-disc release brings him full circle, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Johannesburg's Market Theater, which was an important crucible of the anti-apartheid movement. Backed by a swinging team of local players, Masekela is in great form, sounding far more jazzy and less adult-contemporary than in years gone by. An exile no more, he is a seasoned elder statesman, moving easily between hometown mbaqanga and jive, through Fela-vintage Nigerian Afrobeat, while harking back to memories of classic New York and Cape Town grooves. Recording live without a net, Masekela has made a career-summing, essential recording. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

Like fine wine
I heard Hugh Masekela at the Portland (OR) Zoo this past summer. I didn't know at the time that a live album was en route but later bought it the day it was released. The album captures the show, without mirroring it, and shows what a remarkable musician and social conscious this man is. After 20 or so listenings, I still cannot put it on without dancing in my computer chair while I try to work. The band's energy is in the red zone throughout, and the call and response, the crowd interaction and sing-alongs, the patter -- all integrate into and with the music rather than being an annoyance as is so often the case with live albums. A great pleasure all around and on every track. At 62, I'm old enough to remember when Grazing in the Grass was originally released. Although it immediately become a top 10 hit, I was never particularly fond of it. The contemporary live version included here overcomes my longstanding antipathy.

Masekela at his best
Hugh just gets better and better. I had the experience of going to one of his concerts, some 15 years ago, him and Miriam Makeba.
I wish he had come to my city with this new tour. Since he didn't, the record will have to suffice, and it does. This wonderful musician, as well as civil rights activist, has done so much for African Music, Jazz music, as well as music, period. In this concert, he surrounded himself with seasoned musicians, on top of their game. I would have given them six stars, if they were available.

In Regards to David R. Smedley's Review...
Yes the DVD will be released also through Four Quarters Entertainment but I have no street date at this time. The DVD is currently being mastered.

Ivan J. Goldberg