Review: Malombo Jazz Makers, Jabula and Jazz Afrika – Spirit of Malombo (Strut Records)

South African jazz produced a couple genuine world stars in Hugh Masekela and in Dollar Brand/Abdullah Ibrahim. There were also some revered exile musicians in the form of the former Blue Notes Chris McGregor, Mongezi Feza, Johnny Dyani and Dudu Pukwana who moved to London and pioneered their very own brand of fiery free jazz as The Brotherhood of Breath (and in innumerable small groups) from  the ‘60s. Never a Blue Note, and perhaps less inclined to the avant-garde, was drummer Julian Bahula, who carried on playing an authentic township dance-based groove for many years through a succession of bands  Originally a star with the Malombo Jazz Men, that group transformed itself into Jazz Makers which is where this compilation picks up the story.
The Malombo Jazz Makers, which included flautist Philip Cindi invoking the traditional penny whistle sounds of the townships, and guitarist Lucky Ranku, were active in anti-apartheid cultural activity within South Africa and had been particularly aligned with the Black consciousness movement led by Steve Biko. As for  many other creative and dissident South Africans, conditions became intolerable at home, and Bahula moved to London in the early ‘70s where he proceeded to become virtually synonomous with the anti-apartheid movement. His new group, Jabula, were seldom missing from the fundraisers of the day.

Luckily the music took a more melodic turn with Jabula, as two discs of township jazz and its emphasis on swinging rhythm could pall as a ‘listening’ experience. The more fusion-oriented Jabula material breaks up the tempo and mood. That said, it’s hard to find anything to fault here. This is direct, powerful music  and a long overdue retrospective for a player who might’ve had a lucrative career as a session player, but chose to dedicate himself to the greater struggle of liberation.

The album is available now via iTunes or the Strut Store

Review: White Kite - So In Love EP (Deep Edition Recordings)

Deep Edition are swiftly (and deservedly) gaining a reputation as one of the most consistent labels on the scene. Launched three years ago in Newcastle UK, the label has brought founder Martijn and artists Graham Laverty & Michael McLardy to the fore, both as emerging talents and as tastemakers in their own right. 'White Kite' is a brand new project from Graham Laverty & Nicky Mann, and judging by this debut, we can't wait to hear more from the duo.

Mournful vocals, offbeat bass, hypnotic percussion and warm pads are the order of the day on the standout title track 'So In Love', creating a deeply satisfying vibe. A second, more dancefloor-centric original track 'Get Back' plus remixes from Martijn and Michael McLardy complete the package in fine style. It's refreshing to see a young label based around a small group of key artists, all collaborating and co-operating to build something unique and special. Deep Edition really is a family affair, and not the kind of family you'll see on Jerry Springer any time soon either.

White Kite's 'So In Love' EP is out now, exclusively on Beatport