LONG WALK TO FREEDOM (2006) celebrates Ladysmith Black Mambazo's rich, prolific career via a concise 13-track set. For LONG WALK, the South African vocal group selected some of their finest compositions and rerecorded them with contributions from guest artists like Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, and Zap Mama.
The track list features many of Ladysmith's biggest songs, including their 1973 international hit "Nomathemba," and two tracks from Paul Simon's GRACELAND (the recording that brought them to widespread attention in America). The group's unique sound, built on lush, layered harmonies, township-influenced song structures, and rhythmic clicks and whirs, is dazzlingly apparent on nearly every track. While not a comprehensive retrospective, LONG WALK TO FREEDOM is an excellent sampler of this dynamic group's achievements.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Marie Daulne, Zap Mama (vocals).
Down Beat (p.73) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he 'Thula Thula' Shabalala solo, an improvisation of a traditional lullaby, is showstopping....The highlight is the gently lilting and uplifting 'Shosholoza'..." JazzTimes (p.77) - "[W]ith fresh recordings featuring a multicultural assortment of A-list guests....Most stirring is an exalted 'Shosholoza'...featuring a grand summit of South African music giants." Dirty Linen (p.91) - "[A] fairly comprehensive collection of the group's heaviest hits recorded with guest artists..."
**Super Audio CD (SACD) Hybrid** This CD will play in standard CD players. A Super Audio CD player is required to take advantage of the SACD sound technology.
Good Production but mediocre material Good use of surround channels and gret production, but I thought alot of the guest artists just didn't fit with the group. It is an enjoyable SACD, but probably not the best for an experienced LBM fan. Submitted by kevin.jeffers (Somerset, KY, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Moving music Ecxeptional vocals. Submitted by DerickShalo (Providence, Ri USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Not much in way of new works Not much in way of new work. Must have already been done on other albums.
If looking for new work this album is not it. Submitted by bradok98 (Pittsburgh Pa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
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