Hugh Masekela | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Hugh Masekela had an extensive jazz background and credentials, but enjoyed major success as one of the earliest leaders in the world fusion mode. Masekelas vibrant trumpet and flügelhorn solos were featured in pop, R&B;, disco, Afro-pop, and jazz contexts. He had American and international hits, worked with bands around the world, and played with African, African-American, European, and various American musicians during a stellar career. His style, especially on flügelhorn, was a charismatic blend of striking upper-register lines, half-valve effects, and repetitive figures and phrases, with some note bending, slurs, and tonal colors. Though he often simplified his playing to fit into restrictive pop formulas, Masekela was capable of outstanding ballad and bebop work. Importantly, Masekela also became an international symbol of anti-apartheid activism during his decades in exile from his home country. He began singing and playing piano as a child, influenced by seeing the film Young Man with a Horn at 13. Masekela started playing trumpet at 14. He played in the Huddleston Jazz Band, which was led by anti-apartheid crusader and group head Trevor Huddleston. Huddleston was eventually deported, and Masekela co-founded the Merry Makers of Springs along with Jonas Gwangwa. He later joined Alfred Herberts Jazz Revue, and played in studio bands backing popular singers. Masekela was in the orchestra for the musical King Kong, whose cast included Miriam Makeba. He was also in the Jazz Epistles with Abdullah Ibrahim, Makaya Ntshoko, Gwanga, and Kippie Moeketsi. In the aftermath of the March 1960 Sharpeville massacre, Masekela and Makeba, his wife at that time, left South Africa one year before Ibrahim and Sathima Bea Benjamin in 1961. Such musicians as Dizzy Gillespie, John Dankworth, and Harry Belafonte assisted him. Masekela studied at the Royal Academy of Music, then the Manhattan School of Music. During the early 60s, his career began to explode. He recorded for MGM, Mercury, and Verve, developing his hybrid African/pop/jazz style. Masekela moved to California and started his own record label, Chisa. He cut several albums expanding this formula and began to score pop success. The song "Grazing in the Grass" topped the charts in 1968 and eventually sold four million copies worldwide. That year Masekela sold out arenas nationwide during his tour, among them Carnegie Hall. He recorded in the early 70s with Monk Montgomery & the Crusaders. Masekela moved in a more ethnic direction during the 70s. He traveled to London to play with Nigerian Afro-beat great Fela Kuti & Africa 70; then came a session with Dudu Pukwana, Eddie Gomez, and Ntshoko, among others, that resulted in his finest jazz/African album, Home Is Where the Music Is. Masekela toured Guinea with the Ghanian Afro-pop band Hedzoleh Soundz, then recorded a series of albums with them both in California and Africa with guest stints from the Crusaders, Patti Austin, and others. Masekela alternated between America and Africa, cutting a successful pop/dance album with Herb Alpert in the late 70s. He was part of Paul Simons Graceland tour in the mid-80s, while he continued recording and produced sessions by Makeba. In 1990, when Nelson Mandela was released from prison, Masekela returned to South Africa. He visited Zimbabwe and Botswana, and recorded two albums with the Kalahari Band that once more merged jazz-rock, funk, and pop. Starting in the mid-90s, Masekela began releasing a stream of albums and collections that showed his versatility and growth in South African jazz. He continued to be active into the first decade of the 21st century, issuing Live at the Market Theatre in 2007, Phola in 2009, and a pair of albums in 2012, Friends (with Larry Willis) and Jabulani, inspired by South African wedding traditions Masekela remembered from his childhood. Though the jazz content of his work varied over the years, Masekela had far more musical material on the plus side than the negative, and his significance as a worldwide symbol against oppression cannot be overemphasized. Hugh Masekela died in Johannesburg in January 2018 at the age of 78. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 33 Title: The Americanization of Ooga Booga Released: 1965 Tracks: 8 Duration: 44:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Bajabula Bonke (Healing Song) (07:12) 2 Dzinorabiro (The Good Old Days) (05:57) 3 Unhlanhla (Lucky Boy) (05:01) 4 Cantelope Island (05:04) 5 U-Dwi (Song for My Mother) (05:10) 6 Masquenada (06:18) 7 Abangoma (Song of Praise) (03:35) 8 Myxolydia (06:14) |
 | Album: 2 of 33 Title: Hugh Masekelas Latest Released: 1967 Tracks: 11 Duration: 35:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Baby, Baby, Baby (02:58) 2 Societys Child (Baby Ive Been Thinking) (02:50) 3 Lily the Fox (02:33) 4 Groove Me (03:38) 5 Thula (03:00) 6 Mago (02:54) 7 Arrastao (02:49) 8 Reza (Laia Ladaia) (05:29) 9 I Just Wasnt Meant for These Times (03:40) 10 Here, There and Everywhere (04:25) 11 Mazeze (01:22) |
 | Album: 3 of 33 Title: Is Alive and Well at the Whiskey Released: 1967 Tracks: 8 Duration: 32:27 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Mra (Christopher Columbus) (03:57) 2 Little Miss Sweetness (03:32) 3 A White Shade of Pale (02:58) 4 Up-Up and Away (05:25) 5 Son of Ice Bag (02:37) 6 Senor Coraza (07:50) 7 Coincidence (03:10) 8 Ha Lese Le di Khanna (02:58) |
 | Album: 4 of 33 Title: The Promise of a Future Released: 1968 Tracks: 9 Duration: 30:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Aint No Mountain High Enough (01:59) 2 Madonna (03:16) 3 No Face, No Name, No Number (03:31) 4 Almost Seedless (03:41) 5 Stop (02:37) 6 Grazing in the Grass (02:40) 7 Vuca (03:43) 8 Bajabula Bonke (The Healing Song) (06:31) 9 There Are Seeds to Sow (02:31) |
| The Promise of a Future : Allmusic album Review : It features African and English vocals in an assertive and roughhewn brassy setting. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 33 Title: Masekela Released: 1969 Tracks: 12 Duration: 30:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Mace & Grenades (03:50) 2 Boeremusiek (02:00) 3 Gold (04:12) 4 Sobukwe (01:54) 5 Blues for Huey (02:00) 6 Gafsa (02:35) 7 Fuzz (02:50) 8 Head Peepin (02:52) 9 Otis (02:05) 10 Riot (01:55) 11 If Theres Anybody Out There (03:30) 12 Extra Added Attraction (01:00) |
| Masekela : Allmusic album Review : It all comes together here, with a magic synthesis of trumpet-led African sounds, jazz, and R&B.; | ||
 | Album: 6 of 33 Title: Reconstruction Released: 1970 Tracks: 10 Duration: 38:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 You Keep Me Hangin On (03:37) 2 I Will (03:09) 3 I Cant Dance (03:45) 4 Father Time (Maybe Then Youll Know) (03:00) 5 Make Me a Potion (05:30) 6 Sale Le Mane (05:05) 7 Leave Us Alone (04:24) 8 Woza (02:18) 9 Both Sides Now (02:16) 10 Traces (05:38) |
 | Album: 7 of 33 Title: Home Is Where the Music Is Released: 1972-01 Tracks: 10 Duration: 1:17:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Part of a Whole (09:41) 2 Minawa (09:40) 3 The Big Apple (07:56) 4 Unhomé (05:24) 5 Maseru (07:11) 6 Inner Crisis (06:16) 7 Blues for Huey (06:27) 8 Nomali (07:19) 9 Maesha (10:30) 10 Ingoo Pow-Pow (Childrens Song) (06:40) |
| Home Is Where the Music Is : Allmusic album Review : Released as a double LP on Chisa/Blue Thumb in 1972, Hugh Masekelas Home Is Where the Music Is marked a sharp detour from his more pop-oriented jazz records of the 60s. Masekela was chasing a different groove altogether. He was looking to create a very different kind of fusion, one that involved the rhythms and melodies of his native South Africa, and included the more spiritual, soul-driven explorations occurring in American music at the time on labels like Strata East, Tribe, and Black Jazz as well as those laid down by Gato Barbieri on Bob Thieles Flying Dutchman imprint. The South African and American quintet he assembled for the date is smoking. It includes the mighty saxophonist Dudu Pakwana and drummer Makaya Ntshoko, both South African exiles; they were paired with American pianist Larry Willis and bassist Eddie Gomez, creating a wonderfully balanced, groove-oriented ensemble. Produced by Stewart Levine and composer Caiphus Semenya, this is a near mythic date that was reviewed favorably but infrequently back in the day. The ten tunes here range between five and 11 minutes; half were written by Semenya, Masekela and Willis wrote one apiece, and the balance were covers -- including a gorgeous arrangement of Miriam Makebas "Uhomé." "Part of the Whole"opens the set with Willis on Fender Rhodes piano, with a lazy rolling blues groove that is equal parts soul-jazz and South African folk melody. The horns enter behind him playing a vamp before they ramp it up in the chorus twice before Pakwana takes his solo against the rhythm section. Willis sense of time is indomitable and the funky breaks laid down by Ntshoko are beautifully balanced by Gomezs woody tone. Pakwana wails emotionally, swerving between post-bop and more free explorations. Masekela answers his solo on his flugelhorn in tight, hard blues lines. His flight remains inside with the rhythm section offering this deep groove-laden backing. Its merely a taste of things to come however, as the following cut, Sekou Toures "Minawa," makes clear. Willis opens it with his own solo backed by the rhythm section; his touch is deft, light, elegant, and deeply melodic. It feels like a different band until the horns enter. When they do, they open that intricate lyric line into waves of passion and restraint. Semenyas "The Big Apple," feels like a tune written by Ramsey Lewis with a horn section backing him. Its all bass note groove, hypnotic repetition, and soulful blues before the horns get to move around one another and solo above Willis beautiful fills on the grand piano. This set marks the first appearance of Willis tune "Inner Crisis," the title track of his debut solo LP which would appear a year later on Groove Merchant -- only this time with an acoustic piano intro before moving to the Rhodes. This track is a funky spiritual jazz classic and this version may be better than his -- largely due to this killer horn section. Other standouts include Kippie Moeketsis loping "Blues for Huey," the ballad "Nomali," and Masekelas knotty, joyous "Maseru." In sum, Home Is Where the Music Is, is a stone spiritual soul-jazz classic, that melds the sound of numerous emerging jazz schools in its pursuit of musical excellence; it succeeds on all counts and is one of the greatest recordings in Hugh Masekelas long career. In a year full of amazing titles, this is still a standout. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 33 Title: Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz Released: 1973 Tracks: 8 Duration: 39:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Languta (04:49) 2 Kaa Ye Oya (04:36) 3 Adade (04:15) 4 Yei Baa Gbe Wolo (05:40) 5 Patience (03:50) 6 When (07:31) 7 Nye Tamo Ame (05:25) 8 Rekpete (03:48) |
 | Album: 9 of 33 Title: The Boys Doin It Released: 1975 Tracks: 6 Duration: 38:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Boys Doin It (05:47) 2 Mama (05:11) 3 Excuse Me Please (06:23) 4 Ashiko (09:38) 5 In the Jungle (05:14) 6 A Person Is a Sometime Thing (06:38) |
| The Boy's Doin' It : Allmusic album Review : No other work during Hugh Masekelas long and fruitful career blended all of his interests -- jazz, funk, pop, Afrobeat, and R&B;, plus a little Latin and a lot of disco -- into such an exciting mixture as 1975s The Boys Doin It, his first record for Casablanca. Influenced by Kool & the Gang as well as the growing tendency for Latin artists (like Joe Bataan) to cross over toward contemporary dance trends (and labels), Masekela recruited a few veterans from the Ghanian highlife band Hedzoleh Soundz -- with whom hed worked with on one album before. Recorded in Lagos, Nigeria and dedicated to Fela Kuti, The Boys Doin It has six extended jams, each of which does an excellent job of playing off deep grooves against ensemble vocals and catchy hooks, with plenty of room for Masekelas own trumpet and every note polished to a fine 70s sheen. It didnt matter what type of music fan you were: pop, disco, funk, world music, and any but the most hidebound jazz purist could get into these tracks. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 33 Title: Colonial Man Released: 1976 Tracks: 6 Duration: 35:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 A Song for Brazil (04:13) 2 Vasco Da Gama (The Sailor Man) (05:28) 3 For the Love of You (08:25) 4 Colonial Man (05:04) 5 Whitch Doctor (07:31) 6 Cecil Rhodes (05:13) |
 | Album: 11 of 33 Title: Herb Alpert / Hugh Masekela Released: 1978 Tracks: 7 Duration: 34:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Skokiaan (03:46) 2 Moonza (04:43) 3 Ring Bell (03:29) 4 Happy Hanna (05:04) 5 Lobo (07:24) 6 African Summer (03:23) 7 Ill Be There for You (07:07) |
| Herb Alpert / Hugh Masekela : Allmusic album Review : A mustachioed Herb Alpert breaks out of his 70s blue funk to fuse himself with fellow horn player Hugh Masekela and producer/pianist Caiphus Semenya in a magnificent LP of South African/American pop/jazz. From the joyous opening strains of the South African oldie "Skokiaan," to the haunting groove of "Moonza," Alpert wholeheartedly melts into Masekelas distinctive idiom, his trumpet a relaxed foil for the South African exiles blazing flügelhorn. But Masekela can also lean the other way, joining Alpert in TJB-like dual harmony on "Ring Bell." The band is mostly a coterie of L.A. sessionmen, but they can swing along to the township jive pretty well, and they have some excellent musical material (mostly by Semenya) to work with. Alpert sounds like hes having more fun making music than he has in a long time. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 33 Title: The African Connection Released: 1978-06-04 Tracks: 10 Duration: 1:17:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Part of a Whole (09:41) 2 Minawa (09:40) 3 The Big Apple (07:56) 4 Unhomé (05:24) 5 Maseru (07:11) 1 Inner Crisis (06:16) 2 Blues for Huey (06:27) 3 Nomali (07:19) 4 Maesha (10:30) 5 Ingoo Pow-Pow (Childrens Song) (06:40) |
 | Album: 13 of 33 Title: Tomorrow Released: 1987 Tracks: 8 Duration: 44:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Bring Him Back Home (04:40) 2 Mayibuye (06:26) 3 Ke Bale (05:30) 4 London Fog (07:21) 5 Everybodys Standing Up (04:48) 6 Bird On The Wing (06:56) 7 Something For Nothing (05:52) 8 Serengeti (03:17) |
| Tomorrow : Allmusic album Review : Still in exile from his homeland, Hugh Masekela leaves no doubt where he would rather be in this carefully produced, majestically swinging, techno-pop-jazz album that leans heavily in the direction of Soweto. Masekela often performs sophisticated takes on three-chord township jive, leading the massed vocals with his own coarse yet evocatively blunt voice, while leaving himself just enough room to peel off a few patented, repeated-note trumpet licks and double-tracked flugelhorn statements. Later on the record, the keys turn minor but the high-tech verve is still there. The key track is a fine version of Masekelas signature tune of the 80s, "Bring Him Back Home," which became prophetic in the next decade with the release of Nelson Mandela from prison (though the "walking hand in hand with Winnie Mandela" bit didnt last long). From the vantage point of London, Masekela expresses homesickness in "London Fog," celebrates the imminent fall of several of the worlds petty dictators in "Everybodys Standing Up," and in general lets us know that hes gonna be back home soon. His backup band, Kalahari, and a quartet of vocalists share Masekelas passion -- and the outcome of this chemistry is one of Masekelas best albums of the last 20 years. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 33 Title: Mbongeni Ngemas Sarafina! Released: 1988 Tracks: 8 Duration: 38:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Sarafina (04:08) 2 All Right (04:02) 3 Kilimanjaro (06:27) 4 Wawungalelani (03:21) 5 Coming Tomorrow (04:31) 6 Safa Isizwe (04:04) 7 Mama (06:14) 8 Give Us Power (05:52) |
 | Album: 15 of 33 Title: Uptownship Released: 1989-01-01 Tracks: 11 Duration: 1:01:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Uptownship (06:03) 2 If You Dont Know Me by Now (06:28) 3 Now Or Never (04:58) 4 Hold On (05:34) 5 Ooo, Baby, Baby (06:18) 6 Egoli (05:38) 7 No Woman, No Cry (05:24) 8 Emavungwengi (04:32) 9 Naledi (04:13) 10 Elijah (05:27) 11 Nomalizo (07:12) |
| Uptownship : Allmusic album Review : The title of this New York City-recorded album suggests a combination of township jive and uptown Gotham soul and energy, but what we get is some of the former and little of the latter. Here, Masekela alternates South African-inflected pop/jazz with lugubrious covers of a couple of U.S. soul tunes (Gamble & Huffs "If You Dont Know Me by Now" and Smokey Robinsons "Ooh Baby Baby") and a Bob Marley anthem, "No Woman, No Cry." While the covers are instantly disposable, even the South African-rooted tracks suffer from a lack of energy, not helped by the dull recorded sound. "Now or Never" is a leisurely stroll through the township; "Hold On" has a stuttering jive feeling to it where Masekela plays well but has little new to say. Altoist Morris Goldbergs contributions range from dreary jazz-lite clichés to some passages where he can spar effectively with Masekela, and the cast of the Broadway show Sarafina! provides some of the backing vocals. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 33 Title: Beatin Aroun de Bush Released: 1992 Tracks: 10 Duration: 53:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Steppin Out (03:37) 2 Ngena-Ngena (06:07) 3 Ngena (00:51) 4 Batsumi (Mayibuye i Afrika) (07:37) 5 Rock With You (03:32) 6 Polina (06:57) 7 Languta (06:48) 8 Sekunjalo (07:23) 9 U-Mama (04:07) 10 Beatin Aroun de Bush (06:30) |
| Beatin' Aroun de Bush : Allmusic album Review : With a mix of smooth contemporary jazz, Afro-beat, and world music, Beatin Aroun de Bush is a highly accessible presentation of Hugh Masekelas flügelhorn expertise, as well as a visit to his South African homeland. This album was completed as his native country was voting to abolish apartheid, and the music contained herein is at times mellow and melancholy, but mostly celebratory. Masekela sings and chants, blows sweet phrases on his horn, and the whole band contributes to the rhythmic pulse with surprising instrumental accents and unexpected musical flourishes. The pop covers, Joe Jacksons "Steppin Out" and Michael Jacksons "Rock with You," are enjoyable, but its the African pieces "Batsumi," "Languta," "U-Mama," and the political title track that are the heart and soul of this recording. "Sekunjalo" is reminiscent of Masekelas 1968 pop hit "Grazing in the Grass." Sonically, Beatin Aroun de Bush soars from start to finish thanks to Richard Druzs glistening production. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 33 Title: Hope Released: 1994 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:13:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Abangoma (The Healers) (05:00) 2 Uptownship (04:51) 3 Mandela (Bring Him Back Home!) (05:09) 4 Grazin in the Grass (03:29) 5 Lady (07:00) 6 Until When (04:08) 7 Languta (08:05) 8 Nomali (08:56) 9 Marketplace (05:29) 10 Ntyilo Ntyilo (The Love Bird) (05:55) 11 Ha Le Se (The Dowry Song) (05:38) 12 Stimela (The Coal Train) (10:00) |
| Hope : Allmusic album Review : Now happily resettled in South Africa, Masekela assembled a seven-piece group there and recorded an informal guided tour of his life and repertoire live in Washington D.C.s Blues Alley. The songs stretch over a period of nearly five decades and several countries and composers -- from an incantatory Alexandria township tune, "Languta," which he learned in 1947, to a fairly ordinary piece written by keyboardist Themba Mkhize in 1993, "Until When." "Abangoma" starts the CD out on the right track, hearkening back to the early fusion of African music and jazz that Masekela was playing back in 1966. "Mandela (Bring Him Back Home)" may have lost some of its political raison detre by 1993, but it remains a good tune, and the band plays it with enthusiasm. Yet Masekelas biggest hit, "Grazing in the Grass," sounds a bit tired in this live rendition. There are two songs by the prolific South African composer Caiphus Semenya, "Nomali" and the driving "Ha Le Se," and the late Nigerian idol Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is represented by "Lady." Clearly the resolution of the political struggle in South Africa had mellowed Masekela; he sounds happier, perhaps less fiery, certainly more polished and refined on the trumpet and flugelhorn than when he started out. But when you hear his bitter narration on "Stimela," describing the life of formerly conscripted coal miners, you suspect that not all of the old wounds have healed. | ||
 | Album: 18 of 33 Title: The Lasting Impressions of Ooga Booga Released: 1996 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:18:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Bajabula Bonke (08:05) 2 Dzinorabiro (06:38) 3 Unhlanhia (05:22) 4 Canteloupe Island (05:29) 5 U-Dwi (05:25) 6 Mas Que Neda (07:43) 7 Abangoma (04:04) 8 Mixolydia (07:00) 9 Con Mucho Cariño (04:41) 10 Where Are You Gonig? (07:42) 11 Morola (05:06) 12 Bo Masekela (04:39) 13 Unohilo (06:48) |
 | Album: 19 of 33 Title: African Breeze : 80s Masekela Released: 1996 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:12:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Dont Go Lose It Baby (Stretch mix) (07:35) 2 Motla Le Pula (The Rainmaker) (05:38) 3 African Breeze (05:55) 4 The Seven Riffs of Africa (medley) (12:27) 5 The Joke of Life (Brincar De Viver) (03:44) 6 Lady (06:35) 7 U-DWI (03:23) 8 Coal Train (live version) (07:40) 9 Zulu Wedding (04:33) 10 Run No More (A Vuo Mo) (05:07) 11 Tonight (04:44) 12 Dont Go Lose It Baby (dub mix) (04:39) |
 | Album: 20 of 33 Title: Sixty Released: 1999 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:10:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Mbombela (05:27) 2 Mamoriri (04:20) 3 Thanayi (05:25) 4 Fela (05:33) 5 Ziphi nkomo (06:46) 6 Tamati So So (07:26) 7 Nomalizo (06:31) 8 Lizzy (06:13) 9 Bo Masekela (05:20) 10 Been Such a Long Time Gone (04:29) 11 Shango (05:30) 12 Mgewundini (05:18) 13 Koshana (01:38) |
| Sixty : Allmusic album Review : Presumably to commemorate his 60th birthday, Hugh Masekela released an album of primarily African works. The album starts with a tribute to Fela, a kindred spirit in African horn playing and a friend of Masekela. After that, it moves on through a number of traditional songs and trips down memory lane. The liner notes give a good deal of background information on each of the songs (always a plus). From time to time, the music seems to slip into something of a contemporary Harry Belafonte-esque sound (which perhaps might not be completely surprising, given the repeated collaborations between Belafonte and Miriam Makeba, coupled with Masekelas marriage to Makeba). Despite (or due to) any such similarities that may arise, this is international pop at its best. Also, the backing vocals of the Family Factory group are exceptional, at the very least. For fans of "Grazin in the Grass," this album might not be too well suited to you. For fans of basic African pop, jazz, highlife, and worldbeat, its probably a good find. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 33 Title: Greatest Hits Released: 2000 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:14:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Grazing In The Grass (02:55) 2 Vasco Da Gama (The Sailor Man) (04:23) 3 Khauleza (05:17) 4 Ziphi nkomo (06:46) 5 Mama (05:03) 6 Chileshe (06:19) 7 Market Place (05:55) 8 Dont Go Lose It Baby (06:52) 9 Strawberries (04:56) 10 Thanayi (05:25) 11 African Secret Society (05:30) 12 Ha Le Se Le Li Khanna (04:26) 13 Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela) (04:44) 14 Stimela (Coal Train) (05:25) |
 | Album: 22 of 33 Title: Grazing in the Grass: The Best of Hugh Masekela Released: 2000 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:14:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Grazing In The Grass (02:55) 2 Vasco Da Gama (The Sailor Man) (04:23) 3 Khauleza (05:17) 4 Ziphi nkomo (06:46) 5 Mama (05:03) 6 Chileshe (06:19) 7 Market Place (05:55) 8 Dont Go Lose It Baby (06:52) 9 Strawberries (04:56) 10 Thanayi (05:25) 11 African Secret Society (05:30) 12 Ha Le Se Le Li Khanna (04:26) 13 Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela) (04:44) 14 Stimela (Coal Train) (05:25) |
| Grazing in the Grass: The Best of Hugh Masekela : Allmusic album Review : This release is superb, but also a little confusing -- it is, as its packaging suggests, a magnificent retrospective of a global jazz legend, despite the fact that it must, of necessity, leave some holes in a 14-song selection intended to sum up a 40-year career. What isnt clear until one opens it, however, is that little of whats here -- none of it, in fact -- consists of the original recordings; rather, these are re-recordings done for Columbia in much more recent times. And thats not necessarily bad, as Masekela has lost little of his fire over the ensuing four decades and did get to do these tracks under ideal conditions. The result is not so much a retrospective as a reconsideration of various highlights of his career, as he is heard on such 1960s-vintage pieces as "Grazing in the Grass" or "Strawberries" at the end of the 20th century. The sound is excellent and the annotation is very thorough on a track-by-track basis. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 33 Title: Time Released: 2002 Tracks: 11 Duration: 1:09:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Send Me (06:01) 2 Happy Mama (04:50) 3 Conchita (06:57) 4 Ce Soir (06:40) 5 Mamoshaba (05:49) 6 Magic (06:19) 7 Thimlela (07:43) 8 Saduva (04:57) 9 Part of a Whole (06:20) 10 Change (06:48) 11 Old People, Old Folks (06:46) |
| Time : Allmusic album Review : Since his return to South Africa in 1990, Hugh Masekela has become a national musical icon. And his music has taken on more of the flavor of his homeland, too, all of which is quite in evidence on Time. Of course, this being Masekela, hes not going to be penned into one style, as he shows on "Conchita," his bubbling celebration of Latin music, which name-checks every icon of the genre. But its township jazz thats always been at the backbone of his sound, and its there in his revisiting of "Part of a Whole," which he first recorded over 30 years ago. Even if its township lite these days, more accessible than the real hardcore stuff, theres no doubt his heart is very much in the right place. Hes not afraid to be political, either, touching on civil rights, dictators, and reminding people that an older generation hasnt necessarily lost touch with enjoying the pleasures of the world. From South African gospel to the slightly rougher feel of mbaqanga, and even the more contemporary kwaito (South Africas disco-fied version of hip-hop) on "Old People, Young Folks," this album keeps its feet on the ground at home. About the only thing missing is that Masekela focuses more on his gritty, warm vocals, rather than his excellent trumpet playing. But he seems happy enough with that, and the sense of jubilation surrounding the disc glows peacefully. | ||
 | Album: 24 of 33 Title: The Collection Released: 2003 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:07:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Johannesburg Hi-Lite Jive (04:01) 2 The Boys Doin It (04:02) 3 Ade (03:49) 4 Colonial Man (05:05) 5 Hi-Life (09:29) 6 Goin Back To New Orleans (05:08) 7 Mama (05:11) 8 To Get Ourselves Together (02:53) 9 Witch Doctor (Album Version) (07:32) 10 In The Jungle (05:13) 11 Mamani (05:26) 12 Excuse Me Please (06:19) 13 Hush (Somebodys Calling My Name) (03:36) |
 | Album: 25 of 33 Title: Grrr Released: 2003-09-09 Tracks: 10 Duration: 32:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 U. Dwi (03:14) 2 Zulu and the Mexican (03:22) 3 Emavungweni (03:08) 4 Ntjilo-Ntjilo (04:12) 5 Sharpville (03:29) 6 Umaningi Bona (03:17) 7 Sipho (03:44) 8 Kwa-Blaney (02:12) 9 Mra (03:08) 10 Phatsha-Phatsha (02:54) |
| Grrr : Allmusic album Review : Masekela as a young trumpeter from the mid-60s. Rare, but clearly his best format and playing. | ||
 | Album: 26 of 33 Title: Still Grazing Released: 2004-05-11 Tracks: 11 Duration: 1:00:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Child of the Earth (04:43) 2 Ha Lese Le Di Khanna (06:47) 3 Felicidade (10:14) 4 Up, Up and Away (05:35) 5 Bajabula Bonke (The Healing Song) (06:31) 6 Grazing in the Grass (02:36) 7 Gold (04:12) 8 Mace and Grenades (03:56) 9 Languta (04:51) 10 Been Such a Long Time Gone (04:01) 11 Stimela (Coal Train) (06:28) |
| Still Grazing : Allmusic album Review : Released to coincide with Hugh Masekelas autobiography of the same name, Still Grazing picks up the Masekela story from Verves summary of the best of the MGM albums, The Lasting Impression of Ooga-Booga, and runs through the Uni and Blue Thumb material. The 1966 tracks are from The Emancipation of Hugh Masekela, where the trumpeter mixes his florid horn calls and vocals with variations of the boogaloo, township jive, soul-jazz, and in Antonio Carlos Jobims "Felicidade," a slight pinch of bossa nova into a hip, brightly colored cuisine that no one else was attempting at the time. As in the MGM days, Masekela is obliged to cover the hit tunes of the day, although "Up, Up, and Away" has more life and jazz licks than those earlier attempts. 1968s "The Promise of a Future" was the real commercial breakthrough -- thanks to the out-of-the-blue success of the cowbell-beating "Grazing in the Grass," which improbably rose to the number one slot on Top 40 radio in those enlightened times. That triumphant track would be Masekelas last trip to the Top 40, whereupon he promptly used the exposure to shine a harsh light on what was going on in his homeland ("Gold") and America in 1968 ("Mace and Grenades"). The CD then jumps to a percolating, Echoplexed "Languta" from a 1973 session in Lagos, Nigeria, before concluding with a withering account of the South African coal-mining trains ("Stimela"). The package is given extra credibility by the original producer of these tracks, Stewart Levine, who compiled the album and also wrote a fond set of reminiscences. Many of these premonitions of todays world music scene have been gone for decades, and its good to have at least some of them back in circulation again. | ||
 | Album: 27 of 33 Title: Revival Released: 2005 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:10:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 After Tears (05:16) 2 Woman of the Sun (05:35) 3 Spring (07:22) 4 District Six (06:21) 5 Open the Door (07:07) 6 Nontsokolo (05:56) 7 Fresh Air (05:52) 8 Smoke (04:51) 9 Ibala Lam (05:11) 10 Sleep (05:39) 11 For the Love of You (04:50) 12 Working Underground (06:44) |
| Revival : Allmusic album Review : Trumpeter /composer Hugh Masekelas first outing in three years finds him in the company of some of South Africas hottest young Kwaito producers and musicians. Masekela has pursued his own meld of South African township music and folk styles, pop, jazz, R&B; topical songs, and blues. He has added to that mix the rhythmic invention of urban soul and hip-hop. Produced by Zwai Bala and Godfrey "Guffy" Pilane, Masekela swings for the smooth jazz radio fences with an eye toward crossing over to quiet storm play lists. "After Tears," which opens the set, is very much in the vein of the laid-back entwining of jazz and township styles. One can hear the trace influence of Abdullah Ibrahims melodic sensibilities as a laid-back, shimmering groove that would not be out of place next to his monster smash of yore, "Grazing in the Grass." The rest is primarily vocal, with Bala taking the lead on the single "Woman of the Sun," a paean to modern women. Its relaxed, Nigerian rhythmic backdrop and punchy front horn lines seamlessly ground the tune as Bala and the percussionists ease the message across. Masekelas solo is simple but gorgeous, full of space and light. Themba Mokeonas sparkling guitar kicks off "Spring," ushering in Masekelas optimistic vocal. His singing is gritty, a contrast to the slick, smooth groove of the body, and it works. The political bent of "District Six" is framed in township jive, with a stellar vocal performance by Corlea. The sultry space and simmer of "Fresh Air" is an overtly smooth jazz groove, but with a twist. His muted trumpet head takes its cue from Miles Davis during his Gil Evans period. The chorus that backs him on "Smoke" is infectious. Add to this tight little fills from his muted trumpet and its irresistible. The relaxed, mid-tempo cover of the Isley Brothers "For the Love of You" hosts a lovely arrangement with a slippery backbeat, before the album closes with the chant- and drum-heavy "Working Underground," a poignant, sorrowful, and angry song about South Africas miners and their plight. Even here, though, the lyrics and singing are rooted in a music that contains no bitterness, only light as it carries sorrow. More than any of his previous recordings, this feels like Masekelas manifesto of self-determination. Hes made political records before, but this one is different. Its weighted by the social and cultural in both lyrical content and in its reach over the musical landscape. | ||
 | Album: 28 of 33 Title: Live at the Market Theatre Released: 2007-07-17 Tracks: 15 Duration: 2:29:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Ibala Lam (02:57) 2 The Boys Doin It (11:17) 3 Ashiko (09:42) 4 Ha Le Se (08:42) 5 Stimela (15:03) 6 Lady (10:11) 7 Grazing in the Grass (14:42) 8 Mandela (06:28) 1 Thuma mina (09:38) 2 Uptownship (07:40) 3 Happy Mama (06:03) 4 District Six (08:47) 5 Marketplace (16:37) 6 Khauleza (15:21) 7 Thanayi (06:34) |
| Live at the Market Theatre : Allmusic album Review : This two-and-a-half-hour concert recording serves both to sum up the career of its performer, now that he is north of 65 years old, and also to demonstrate that he is still working at his peak. Hugh Masekelas voice is more gravelly than in the past, but his flugelhorn playing is as good as ever, and his abilities as a bandleader are apparent. Even more, his stature as a musical statesman is on display. He first makes reference to his political views in a lengthy, and clearly rehearsed, introduction to "Stimela," which he dedicates to "all those people who lose their lives working in cheap labor. If theres any here tonight," he adds, "we are with you." Unfortunately, the crowd laughs at the suggestion that any of them might be underpaid, and Masekela scolds them, "Its not a joke." Later, during another long introduction to "Mandela," he seems to realize that his lectures may be dampening the celebratory mood and proclaims, "Im not running for office!" Clearly, its a tricky thing mixing the dance music he often plays with the somber sentiments he inevitably brings with him from a life of expatriation and the ultimately successful effort to overcome apartheid. But on tracks that average ten minutes apiece, for the most part he and a talented band manage just that, presenting music from throughout his career, including a 14-plus minute version of his hit "Grazing in the Grass." By the end, still exhorting the audience to greater enthusiasm, he seems more energetic than anyone in the room. | ||
 | Album: 29 of 33 Title: Notes of Life Released: 2010-07-07 Tracks: 11 Duration: 41:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Mama (05:06) 2 Heart Breaker (04:51) 3 Moments of Love (04:54) 4 Father of our Nation (03:35) 5 Whooh! Africa (03:24) 6 No more Cryin (04:47) 7 Talking Thoughts (02:24) 8 Bone thru the Nose (03:44) 9 Baby Ngiya ku Thanda (04:46) 10 Somebody is stealin my car (03:00) 11 Thank you Madiba (01:21) |
 | Album: 30 of 33 Title: Jabulani Released: 2012-01-31 Tracks: 11 Duration: 59:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sossie (06:40) 2 Fiela (05:26) 3 Bambezela (04:19) 4 Rosie My Girl (04:48) 5 Iph indlela (05:33) 6 Tsoang Tsoang (05:08) 7 Scatter My Dada (06:27) 8 Makoti (Bride) (04:31) 9 Mfana (05:16) 10 yeyeni (05:17) 11 No Harvest (Aslimanga) (05:46) |
| Jabulani : Allmusic album Review : Inspired by South African wedding traditions remembered from his youth, trumpeter Hugh Masekelas 2012 album Jabulani is a celebratory mix of jazz, pop, and African sounds. Backed by a bevy of talented musicians even including a small choir, Masekela is in top form throughout this celebratory album. From the opening anthemic "Sossie" to the earthy "Bambezela" and the bright and happy "Makoti (Bride)," Masekela brings his rousing trumpet and flügelhorn style to these joyous tracks that more often than not also feature his passionate and rousing vocals. | ||
 | Album: 31 of 33 Title: Main Event: Live Released: 2015 Tracks: 8 Duration: 49:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Foreign Natives (09:48) 2 People Make the World Go ’round (05:33) 3 Besame Mucho (04:32) 4 Im Comin’ Home (05:43) 5 She-Been (03:46) 6 Kalahari Nights (06:35) 7 Shame the Devil (07:20) 8 Mama Way (06:25) |
 | Album: 32 of 33 Title: No Borders Released: 2016 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:18:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Shuffle & Bow (04:16) 2 Been Such a Long Time Gone (04:33) 3 Shango (05:22) 4 Congo Woman (08:33) 5 The Rooster (04:14) 6 One of These Days (04:20) 7 KwaZulu (05:32) 8 In an Age (05:23) 9 Makeba (05:19) 10 Heaven in You (04:11) 11 Dont Go Lose It Baby (05:46) 12 Tapera (05:15) 13 Alright (05:31) 14 Tonight, Tonight, Tonight (06:16) 15 Exile (04:06) |
 | Album: 33 of 33 Title: 66 - 76 Released: 2018-03-30 Tracks: 47 Duration: 3:43:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Felicidade (10:14) 2 Why Are You Blowing My Mind? (02:36) 3 She Doesnt Write (03:42) 4 Do Me So La So So (02:32) 5 Ha Lese Le Di Khanna (06:44) 6 What Is Wrong With Groovin? (03:01) 7 Child Of The Earth (04:41) 8 Son of Ice Bag (02:37) 9 Coincidence (03:10) 10 Grazing in the Grass (02:40) 11 Bajabule Bonke (The Healing Song) (06:32) 12 Vuca (03:38) 13 There Are Seeds to Sow (02:32) 14 Mace & Grenades (03:50) 15 Boeremusiek (02:00) 16 Gold (04:12) 17 Blues for Huey (02:00) 18 Gafsa (02:35) 19 If Theres Anybody Out There (03:30) 1 You Keep Me Hangin On (03:37) 2 Woza (02:18) 3 Sale Le Mane (05:05) 4 Mamani (05:25) 5 Caution! (05:42) 6 Hush (Somebodys Calling My Name) (03:33) 7 Minawa (09:40) 8 Languta (04:49) 9 Kaa Ye Oya (04:36) 10 Adade (04:15) 11 Yei Baa Gbe Wolo (05:40) 12 Patience (03:50) 13 When (07:31) 14 Nye Tamo Ame (05:25) 15 Rekpete (03:48) 1 Stimela (Coaltrain) (06:22) 2 Night in Tunisia (07:19) 3 In the Market Place (05:08) 4 Jungle Jim (04:20) 5 African Secret Society (05:42) 6 Nina (05:26) 7 Been Such a Long Time Gone (03:55) 8 Ashiko (09:38) 9 Mama (05:11) 10 The Boys Doin It (05:47) 11 A Song for Brazil (04:13) 12 Colonial Man (05:04) 13 Whitch Doctor (07:31) |