Label: Honey Pie Records (Italy)
Catalog: HONEY 042LP

South Africa is in fact the only country in the whole African continent that has developed a strong jazz tradition. Initially influenced by the great American stylists, (Ellington, Gillespie...) South Africa gradually developed its own soulful style based on a distinctive taste for melody and a deep sense of groove. Masterfully selected from the so-called "Golden Age" of the genre, (late '50s/ early '60s), this compilation represents the best introduction to the work of a large and varied body of musicians and composers who inevitably developed their music as part of the historical Anti-Apartheid struggle, and as means of self-expression in the dark times of exile. Kippie Moeketsi, Hugh Masekela (in The Jazz Epistles), Dollar Brand, Chris McGregor, Dudu Pukwana (in Chris McGregor & The Castle Lager Big Band), Mongesi Feza (in Chris McGregor & The Castle Lager Big Band), Barney Rabachan, Nick Moyake (in Chris McGregor & The Castle Lager Big Band), and of course the queen Miriam Makeba are just some of the main voices represented here. A bunch of true warriors. Also features John Mehegan, Dollar Brand Trio, and Gideon Nxumalo.

Track Listing:
A1. John Mehegan - Mabomvana
A2. The Jazz Epistles - Uku-Jonga Phambili
A3. Dollar Brand Trio - Eclipse At Dawn
A4. Miriam Makeba - Ngola Kurila
B1. Chris McGregor & The Castle Lager Big Band - Switch
B2. Gideon Nxumalo - Chopi Chopsticks
B3. Miriam Makeba - Love Tastes Like Strawberries
B4. Dollar Brand - Gafsa