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CD Review
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Amazon, CD Review >>
Ladysmith Black Mambazo proved itself pliable enough when the a capella group was heavily featured on Paul Simon's Graceland. Other crossover collaborations have followed, but few work as seamlessly as this collection, which features old LBM songs, Zulu traditionals and European classical material done in collaboration with the English Chamber Orchestra. The rich vocal sound literally fuses with the classical musicians in much the same way as a classical choral group does. To its credit, the orchestra (and arranger Isak Roux) loosens up to fit the more oral/aural traditions of the singers--the music is less precise and reliant on virtuosity. The orchestra provides a particularly sympathetic counterpoint on the traditional "Awu Wemadoda" and is downright playful sounding on "Dona Nobis Pacem." Sounding as elegant and reverent, Ladysmith more than meets the orchestra halfway on the famous Bach choral piece "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring." Making borders and boundaries irrelevant, this is a work of startling beauty that couldn't be improved upon.
–Tad Hendrickson 03/18/05 >> go there
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