Malompo Jazz

Description

Reissue of this landmark of South African jazz from 1966

Formed in Mamelodi township near Pretoria, the group started out as Malombo Jazz Men with Julian Bahula on malombo drums, Abbey Cindi on flute and Philip Tabane on guitar. Fusing traditional and improvised rhythms with jazz, Malombo became renowned as one of the first South African bands to fully connect jazz with the African traditions. Despite his undoubted genius, Tabane became erratic on tour and Bahula brought in another Mamelodi-based talent, guitarist Lucas “Lucky” Ranku, renaming the band Malombo Jazz Makers. The group played stadiums and festivals and were soon signed to Gallo. Recording at a studio in Pretoria, the trio debuted with the album ‘Malompo Jazz’ in 1966, showcasing the simple, spacious beauty of the Malombo sound and Abbey Cindi’s compositions, with Mahotella Queens’ Hilda Tloubatla on guest vocals. The partner follow-up album ‘Malombo Jazz Makers Vol. 2’ was recorded a year later, continuing the earthy flow of Malombo’s music. The two albums have since been recognised as unique landmarks of South African jazz through popular tracks like ‘Sibathathu’, ‘Jikeleza’ and ‘Emakhaya’. Alongside full original artwork, the albums feature a new interview with Julian Bahula.

Strut – 2023

Audio Player

Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2)A1. Abbey's Mood

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A1. Abbey's Mood Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
A2. Lullaby For Angels Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
A3. Grab This For Me Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
A4. Emakhaya Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
A5. Blues After Lunch Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
A6. Bababelo Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
B1. Intandane Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
B2. A Tribute To Birds Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
B3. Root Of Africa Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
B4. Vuma Mbari Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
B5. Lousy Fever Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03
B6. Jikeleza Malombo Jazz Makers Plus 2) 1:03