Along with the Chieftains and Kronos Quartet, Ladysmith Black Mambazo are leaders in the way of internationally popular cross-cultural gatecrashing. The South African vocal harmony group has sung with Paul Simon and Dolly Parton, and now they “confront” the Western classical tradition, with this collaboration with the English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Ralf Gothoni. Before the more cynical among you cry “sellout” or presume this an oil & water mixture. No Boundaries for the most part is a bravura success. LBM aren’t striving to “reach a wider audience” (not that there’s anything wrong with that), but rather to widen and enrich their palette. The orchestrations are respectfully arranged and subtle, never overwhelming the precise yet hearty harmonies. Instead, the Orchestra often acts as an extension on LBM, a kind of auxiliary member of the chorus, embellishing the melodies as a singer might. Along with American gospel & originals, the LBM-ECO collective take on some standards from the Western European classical tradition, including J.S. Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (corny and remarkable) and Franz Schubert’s “Sanctus,” joined by tenor soloist Robert Brooks for a sublime interlacing of Zulu & classical traditions (with wee touches of baroque and plainsong). Conceptually, No Boundaries doesn’t seek to “smash borders,” “realign cultural parameters” or any lofty, self-conscious bullshit – it’s a charming presentation of some pretty, some very beautiful songs by a bunch who’ve found that common ground can be found virtually anywhere.

-Mark Keresman