Africa Straight Ahead by Various Artists

31 Dec

Written by Lee Prosser
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AFRICA STRAIGHT AHEAD coincides with the historic ten year anniversary of the end of apartheid in South Africa and is the sequel to the previous jazz releases, SMOOTH AFRICA and SMOOTH AFRICA II: EXPLORING THE SOUL.

There are 12 memorable songs in the collection. Among them are Paul Hanmer's "Naivasha," Zim Ngqawana's "Beautiful Love," Sheer Allstars' "Langery," Andy Narell's "Dee Mwa Wee," and Hotep Idris Galeta's "Shawn's Uhadi Samba." Each song is a fine example of straight ahead jazz styles which includes world music themes and jazz motifs.

There is a great burst of energy and joy, and intimacy, found in each song. The performances are topnotch, and this is one of the finest South African artist collections to come out. If you are looking for something different, excitingly so, AFRICA STRAIGHT AHEAD is one of the very finest examples of the jazz coming from the jazz artists of South Africa.

Outstanding production values. Outstanding performances.

AFRICA STRAIGHT AHEAD is one of the bright lights in jazz for the year 2004. Excellent.