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Concert Pick/ Interview
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Courier-Post, Concert Pick/ Interview >>
It might be cold outside, but things are heating up on the concert circuit, with just about something for everyone: world music stars like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a big namer (Billy Joel), and even some reunion tours (Foreigner and Jefferson Airplane/Starship). Local favorites like Lauren Hart, Slo Mo, John Francis and Deb Callahan are also making the rounds in February.
South African vocal ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs at the Kimmel Center on Feb. 19. The group -- which rocketed to fame in the United States when Paul Simon used the band on his groundbreaking Graceland album 20 years ago -- is touring in support of the new CD, Long Walk to Freedom. The album features an array of guest talent -- including Melissa Etheridge, Emmylou Harris, Sarah McLachlan and Taj Mahal -- on remakes of their best-known songs.
Group member Albert Maziuko said in a recent interview that the nine-member ensemble was careful in choosing who would appear on the new record, selecting musicians it felt best understood the "spirit" of the music.
"We wanted make certain that the spirit of these songs, and our own spirit, was respected," Maziuko said. "We all spoke about who these artists were as artists and as people. We think they are wonderfully gifted and spiritually deep people." He said those guesting on the record were paired with songs that would be a good fit: Taj Mahal sings on "Mbube," and Harris lends vocals to "Amazing Grace." Ladysmith itself, he said, is at its most potent in a live setting.
"Performing allows us to connect with our friends," Maziuko said. "They come to hear and see South America and Zulu culture and we love to share this with them."
Ladysmith -- together since the early 1960s -- has performed at two Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies and before Queen Elizabeth II and the late Pope John Paul II. The group also sung at the 1996 Summer Olympics and at Nelson Mandela's inauguration.
"Our concerts are filled with singing of joy, celebration and hope," he said.
By NICOLE PENSIERO 01/27/06 >> go there
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