Shabaka & The Ancestors: Wisdom Of Elders

Rating: ★★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Mandla Mlangeni (t)
Siyabonga Mthembu (v)
Gontse Makhene (perc)
Mthunzi (as)
Nduduzo Makhathini (ky)
Shabaka Hutchings (ts, clnt)
Ariel Zomonsky (b)

Label:

Brownswood

Dec/Jan/2016/2017

RecordDate:

2015

Given the substantial amount of time he spends in South Africa it was inevitable that British saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings would eventually record with the local talent, which is of international standing. Indeed, the ensemble spearheaded by trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni is hugely impressive, moving seamlessly from a tight, danceable groove that encompasses a wide range of Afro-latin inflections to the kind of meditative, hypnotic balladry associated with Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku or Julian Bahula. As the title suggests, the music has a sense of the deep reverence and gravitas of the aforesaid sources of inspiration, but there is a distinct modernity brought to bear on the arrangements. Also pleasing is the dub sensibility of the mix. The subtle but evocative afterglow of Nduduzo Makhathini's Rhodes works very effectively as a pool of light around the dark tree of Ariel Zomonksy's bass. Although Sons Of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming have put Hutchings on the map in no uncertain terms this very accomplished album is another notable entry in his catalogue.

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