Tracklist:

The Sacred Lion Dance - Clarence Wilson

Saduva - Gibson Kente

What You Say - The Soweto Boys  

Zone No.6 - The Drive

Revelation - The Cliffs Feat. Mankunku Ngozi

Seven Steps Lament - The Four Sounds

Zandile - The Jazz Ministers

Tail Feathers - The Tailfeathers

Doctor Al - Cassidy Clarke Band  

Kubi - Zim Ngqawana 

Magwaza - Johnny Dyani

A selection of South African Jazz gems - very nice comp here…

While music traditions are often defined by established and protected sets of characteristics, popular music in South Africa betrays a willingness to adapt homegrown styles and an enthusiasm to adopt new influences. Musical currents like marabi, goema and mbaqanga help define what makes indigenous jazz unique, but it’s the eclecticism and hybridisation found in South African crates that keeps vinyl archaeologists like Fred “Voom Voom” Spider digging deeper. If we consider jazz to be a global musical dish, it follows that South Africa brings a distinct sonic salsa to the table. Spider calls it “Chakalaka Jazz” after the local tomato, onion and chilli relish that frequently accompanies South African meals. It’s the essential ingredient that unites and spices this diverse selection of tracks spanning the years 1969 through 2003. Featuring locals, exiles and expats with a reverent nod to the golden years of the 1970’s, these rare musical treasures are held together by that magical South African flavour.