Long Walk To Freedom ••••
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Heads Up
This is the legendary South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s latest release, Long Walk to Freedom, a collection of twelve new recordings of classic Mambazo songs, featuring guest vocal performances by Melissa Etheridge, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, Joe McBride, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant and Zap Mama, as well as a virtual who’s who of South African artists: Lucky Dube, Bhekumunzi Luthuli, Vusi Mahlasela, Hugh Masekela, Nokukhanya, Phuezkhemisi, and Thandiswa.
For over 40 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds of Christian gospel music. On a Long Walk To Freedom the tradition continues with help from Emmylou Harris in the stirring gospel medley of “Amazing Grace” and “Nearer My God To Thee;” Sarah McLachlan is heard in a duet version of the hymn-like “Homeless” together with the group thickly layered bed of mysterious nighttime sounds and rhythms; Natalie Marchant on “Rain Rain Beautiful Rain;” and Taj Mahal, wielding his raw vocal style and sparse electric guitar, brings an earthy and visceral dimension to the familiar melody of “Mbube.” Finally the tempo picks up dramatically when Melissa Etheridge steps in for arousing redntion of “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” Mambazo and Joe McBride, a human jukebox, create all the percussion sounds on this track with no instruments other than their vocal shords and their uncanny sense of rhythm. Ms. Etheridge, meanwhile, evokes all the witty intensity of Paul Simon’s original recording of two decades ago, yet adds an edginess heretofore unheard.
Next month, Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo return to the United States for a twelve week concert tour to celebrate the Jan. 24 release of Long Walk to Freedom.