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Sing Out!, Feature >>
It was twenty years ago that Paul Simon introduced the world to the glorious sound of the South African men's choir whojoined Simon on the sessions for his landmark album Graceland. Of course, younger members of the audience are more likely to remember when Ladysmith Black Mambazo's trademark harmonies turned up in a commerical touting the American candy "Life Savers" ("ah...Life Sayyyvers...hmmm..."). Once heard, Ladysmith's trademark tight harmonies and infectious repeating melodic phrases become unforgettable.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Graceland, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded this special album revisiting past favorite songs, such as two classics from the Graceland album: "Homeless" and "Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes." And they've rounded up a neat collection of guest vocalists to join the party. Some of them just add aditional vocal harmony, while others get brief solo spots while the Ladysmith men chant behind them.
While some of the guest choices are exactly who might expect, suchs as the women's vocal group Zap Mama--who join the guys seamlessly on "Hello My Baby"--and the chorus of South African artists who appear on "Shosholoza," others might seem like rather outside choices. For instance, Melissa Etheridge takes Paul Simon's part on "Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes" and fits in better than I thought she would (she turned her rougher side down a notch or two). The combination of Emmylou Harris and Ladysmith on a medley of "Amazing Grace" and "Nearer My God to Thee" is haunting and shows how close Ladysmith's style is to America gospel. Another seemingly odd choice is Canadian popster Sarah McLachlan, but she harmonizes perfectly with the group on "Homeless."
But not only does Ladysmith's basic style remind me of gospel, I even hear echoes of doo-wop, the urban harmony singing style which originated in the United States. Well, rock 'n roll and rhythm 'n blues have spread all over the world, and it's not unlikely that Ladysmith leader Joseph Shabalala has heard at least a little doo wop over the years.
One of the few instuments besides the human voice heard on this recording in Taj Maha's electric guitar, which gets a few licks in on "Mbube." You can also hear Taj's tradmark blues growl over and underneath Ladysmith's repeating chants. If this number sounds a little familiar (give it a few tries), that's because it is the traditional Zulu version of "Wimoweh" ("The Lion Sleeps Tonight"). Americanized versions of the song were recorded by The Weavers and The Tokens.
This album finishes off the two very appropiate pieces: "Long Walk to Freedom," an original composition by Chabalala which praises the evolution his native country has gone through, and a bonus track featuring Shabalala solo improvising on a traditional lullaby.
There's a real life affirming spirit to Ladysmith Black Mambazo's music--after all, anyone who can make a "Life Savers" commercial sound inspiring really is special.
08/01/06
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