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CD Review
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Kyndmusic.com, CD Review >>
As both a greatest hits album that covers their 30+ years of performing and recording and as a tribute to the historic struggle waged by native South Africans against the oppressive institution of Apartheid, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Long Walk to Freedom is an inspiring and uplifting work of unparalleled talent. Containing re-recorded versions of 12 career-spanning songs and one new original, it blends the traditional acapella vocals with guest spots from luminaries like Melissa Etheridge, Natalie Merchant, Sarah Mclachlan, Emmylou Harris and Taj Mahal among others.
The result is staggering. Etheridge's spare voice on 'Diamonds on her Shoes' floats above the amazing acrobatics of Mambazo as they lay down rhythm and percussion layers with just their voices. In another Graceland original, 'Homeless,' Mclachlan blends her ethereal voice into a lofty and mysterious duet with their chorus, as does Natalie Merchant in 1987's 'Rain Rain Beautiful Rain.'
In "Mbube" Taj Mahal's raw voice and crying guitar weave their way through this most traditional of South African vocal compositions and provide a perfect earthy counterpoint to their angelic rhythms. And, speaking of angels, the next song is a combination of two Americana spiritual classics, 'Amazing Grace/Nearer My God to Thee,' as sung by Mambazo and the legendary Emmylou Harris. The harmonies alone will bring tears to your eyes with their rich texture and emotional honesty. This three minutes and 28 seconds worth of music is worth the price of the album alone.
But if that still doesn't do it for you, the album wraps up with a star-studded septet of the highest-profile South African artists: Lucky Dube, Bhekumuzi Luthlui, Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela, Nokukhanya, Phuzekhemisi and Thandiswa on 'Shosholoza,' the title track and the one new song on the album, 'Thula Thula,' song solo by founder Joseph Shabalala. It is a rare glimpse into the depth of his unique musical honesty and range.
And this album is a glimpse into the well-known talent of this stellar and legendary group of performers. They have, over the past 30+ years, created an endearing legacy of spiritually-infused, hopeful and challenging traditionally-based music by fearing nothing and it is all here on Long Walk to Freedom. If you are a fan, you must have this album and if you are trying to convince someone else to become a fan, this is the album that will do it. I stand in awe.
By Dave Terpeny 01/02/06 >> go there
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