Hugh Masekela Presents The Chisa Years: 1965-1975 (Rare And Unreleased) CD - Import

Personnel: Hugh Masekela (vocals, trumpet, background vocals); Ernest Moholmi, Paul Makgoba, John Sithebe, Momsie Gwangwa, Letta Mbulu, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Philemon Hou, Caiphus Semenya (vocals); Jagger Botchway, Bruce Langhorn, Wayne West, Emile Walsh, Stanley Todd Kwesi, Arthur Adams (guitar); Wilton Felder, Alexander Abreu (saxophone); Wayne Henderson (trombone, drums); Adaloja Gboyega (electric piano); Joe Sample (keyboards); Papa Frankie Todd, Stix Hooper, Francis Fuster (drums); Francisco Aguabella (congas); Isaak Asante (talking drum, percussion); Odinga "Guy" Warren (shekere, percussion); Friday Pozo (percussion).
Liner Note Author: Stewart Levine.
Author: Hugh Masekela.
This immensely enjoyable selection of recordings from the South African trumpeter's own label features Hugh Masekela and band accompanying a wide variety of singers and instrumentalists. Songs range from Fela-style jams like "Ahvuomo" and the R&B-flavored "Afrobeat Blues" to the almost tropical-sounding "Awe Mfana." Although Masekela himself makes few appearances here, this compelling set demonstrates his unerring good taste in his choice of collaborators.
Hugh Masekela and Stewart Levine met in 1961 at the Manhattan School of Music. They became friends, roommates, and collaborators. They began experimenting with putting together groups of African singers, studio musicians, and a fusion of South African township jive and urban gospel. The two started the CHISA label together in 1966 just before the pair scored big with Masekela's smash, "Grazin' in the Grass." After the success of that track, they put more money into their label, and scored a distribution deal with Motown. The 14 sides here, on Chisa Years: 1965-1975 (Rare and Unreleased) are little known or forgotten tracks from the CHISA years. It's true that the Crusaders recorded for CHISA in this period, but there are no tracks by them on this set -- though most of the band appear here in one form or another. None of Masekela's hits are here either. And it's just as well. What is collected on this disc is a vibrant slew of cuts recorded by the pair. First there's the smoking "Afro Beat Blues," by Masekela and his band Ojah, who hailed from places like Nigeria and Ghana, that had been recruited during a successful African tour in 1973. The players had been introduced by Fela Kuti in Lagos. Other cuts here include the stunning "Mahalela," "U Se Mcani," "Macongo," and "Melodi (Sounds of Home)," by Letta Mbulu. These are unreleased cuts from her debut and second albums from 1970 and '73, respectively. The band includes four members of the Crusaders, Arthur Adams, Wayne West, Masekela, and Francisco Aguabella on percussion. The latter track is one of the most joyous and successful attempts to pull together the world of soul and township jive ever. Elsewhere, on "Amo Sakesa" by Baranta (featuring the great vocalist Miatta Fahnbulleh) funk grooves meet the music of the Soweto street in glorious aplomb. The four selections by Baranta are the most adventurous on the set. (Check the fuzz guitar, Nigerian funk bass line, and staggered drum breaks in "Ahvuomo.") There are three tracks here by the Zulus. All of these register from the earliest sessions. This group included Mbulu as well as Caiphus Semenya, and contained seven vocalists as well as a rhythm section. Dig the hard-driving hand drum grooves in "Za Labalaba." The polish and sophistication of the sounds in this song are literally astonishing, and prove a perfect, seamless meeting of American gospel and South African street music, but a close second is "Aredze," with breezy Les Paul-styled guitar by Bruce Langhorn. The gospel piano in "Awe Mfana," by the Johannesburg Street Band sidles up magnificently to the horns played by Masekela, the Crusaders' Wilton Felder, and Wayne Henderson, and Al Abreus with tight Steve Cropper-styled guitar by Arthur Adams. In sum, there isn't a weak moment on this entire collection. It's appeal is wide and deeRolling Stone (p.88) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Energy and a sense of adventure burst through on every track..."
Uncut (p.112) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[A] vibrant spirit, blending African verve with JB and Sly-era funk, makes for a celebratory experience."