v/a: Next Stop, Soweto Vol.3: The Giants, Ministers & Makers: Jazz in South Africa 1963-1984

Label: Strut

While the focus of this compilation is ostensibly jazz, no particular love of jazz is required to appreciate this album, because many of the tracks could just as easily be labeled soul (or boogaloo, as on “Emakhaya” by Heshoo Beshoo Group) instrumentals or funk (Malombo's “Sangoma,” The Drive's “Howl”). That said, there are a few tracks that are unalloyed jazz, highlights being the stunning modal epics “Dedication (To Daddy Trane and Brother Shorter)” by the Mankunku Quartet and “Spring” by the Chris Schilder Quartet featuring Mankunku, the bopping “Pinese's Dance” by Jazz Giants, and – had to represent him here – Chris McGregor & The Castle Lager Big Band playing the swing-bop “Switch.” The great joy of such compilations is the inter-cultural ferment of multiple styles, whether intentional or accidental, and of course the incorporation or influence of African rhythms (including harmonic rhythms and treatment of chord progressions) on these tracks is notable, whether subtle or obvious. In other words, no matter how imitative of American models these tracks may me, they often still have a distinctive African flavor. (Steve)