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CD Review
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Clarion Ledger , CD Review >>
Long Walk To Freedom:' Several artists join South African group's latest venture
By Scott Barretta
Special to The Clarion-Ledger
The South African a cappella vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo first came to most Americans' attention on Paul Simon's 1986 album Graceland.
The group's stirring traditional Zulu harmonies initially drew Simon to South Africa, and the CD featured the group on the subtle political commentaries Homeless and Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes.
Ladysmith, founded in the 1960s by Joseph Shabalala, garnered further recognition the following year through their Simon-produced, Grammy-winning album Shaka Zulu. Their importance in South Africa was highlighted in 1993 when they performed at Nelson Mandela's Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. They later graced his presidential inauguration.
The group's influence on world music is celebrated on their newest CD, Long Walk To Freedom (Telarc), which features a wide array of guest artists. Ladysmith reprises their contributions to Graceland with Melissa Etheridge taking Simon's part on Diamonds. Canadian songstress Sarah McLahan joins their harmonies on Homeless, which takes on a new meaning in the post-Apartheid era.
Musical adventurer Taj Mahal, who previously had collaborated with the Malian kora master Toumani Diabete, joins the group on Mbube - better known as Wimoweh or The Lion Sleeps Tonight - adding a bluesy quality to the song with his spare guitar riffs.
Ladysmith's English-language How Long is a light-hearted venture into American doo wop that draws lyrics from the Delmore Brothers' Blues Stay Away From Me.
Natalie Merchant joins the group on Rain Rain Beautiful Rain and Emmylou Harris lends her brilliant voice to an a cappella rendition of Amazing Grace/Nearer My God To Thee.
The wealth of great music in South Africa is highlighted by Shosholozza, which features trumpet legend Hugh Masakela and guest vocalists, including reggae star Lucky Dube.
The CD includes two videos, including the title track, only enhancing enjoyment of Ladysmith's stunning vocal work here. 03/23/06 >> go there
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