Adam Glasser Quartet: South Africa and Beyond

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Romy Brauteseth (b)
Rob Luft (g)
George Crowley (s)
Fitzroy Ngcukana (v)
Fana Zulu (b)
Corrie Dick (d)
Steve Watts (b)
Bheki Khoza (g)
Bokani Dyer (p)
Sphelelo Mazibuko (d)
Adam Glasser (hca, p)
Peter Auret (d)
Bhasi Mahlasela (perc)

Label:

Gallo

November/2024

Media Format:

CD, DL

RecordDate:

Rec. 27 July 2017, 9 August 2018, 29 October 2019, 20 April 2023, January 2024

This release matters not just because it’s a pleasure to hear Glasser’s virtuoso chromatic harp. For Glasser, it’s about keeping alive the heritage of South African jazz for modern audiences. Like Chris McGregor and Dudu Pukwana, Glasser came to the UK, albeit in the 1970s, when Apartheid gripped steely tight on southern Africa. UK born artists like Annie Whitehead and Django Bates were forever changed by the presence of Bheki Mseleku and others in our luckier isles. Jason Yarde and Mark Lockheart are among those who were passed the flame while newer contemporary artists like Luft and Dick are infused with the energy of those heroes.

Mseleku is honoured here with several songs, notably ‘Joy’ and the more meditative ‘Monwabisi’ played with a verve and groove that the much-missed pianist would have enjoyed. But it’s the presence of South African instrumentalists like Dyer and Khosa that bring a further twist, while the interview and jam with Ngcukana is especially evocative. But don’t forget the …and Beyond part of the title. The whole shebang kicks off with ‘Jelly Roll’ a re-arranged hip-hop song from Erikah Badu’s one-time MD, RC Williams. It’s a wide world Glasser invites us to.

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