Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Heads Up International)
 
Amid the worst of times, this venerable South African a cappella group manages to maintain a hopeful outlook. The 10-man choral ensemble, which combines the traditional rhythms and harmonies of its native country with Christian gospel music, remains optimistic even though group leader Joseph Shabalala's wife of 30 years, Nellie, was murdered by a masked gunman during the making of the record.

In a restrained mood that understandably falls short of jubilance, the group celebrates 10 years of democracy in South Africa, following the fall of apartheid, and the possibility of greater cooperation and understanding in the nation and throughout the world, fueled with help from the Lord.

The record's first half, sung in the group's native Zulu, mostly offers uplifting spiritual messages. Shabalala's warm, expressive lead singing, performed as a call and response with the group's rich harmonies and rhythmic chants, gives the music its direction. There's the respectful, hopeful title song, the tongue-clicking and clapping of "Uqinsil' Ubada (Lord is the Light and Truth)" and the happy shrieks of the memorable "Wamlul' Umshado (Beautiful Wedding)," a glass-half-full approach which values 30 good years above the one horrible day.

Not that the killer is forgotten. On the record's final song, the succinct "Tribute," Shabalala's grandchildren sing to him to stay strong, while also denouncing the unknown murderer in a few angry, American-style rap lines. The group's message is also clear in a few other songs performed in English on the record's second half, including the joyful, autobiographical "Music Knows No Boundaries" and the thankful "Black is Beautiful."

This is a sturdy album that once again demonstrates the group's unusual talents and generous, global vision. But the record's generally subdued tone prevents it from reaching the emotional peaks that are often the subject of its songs.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. at the Pol lack Theatre, Monmouth University, West Long Branch. Tickets are $30. Call (732) 571-3483. - Ben Horowitz