The ongoing documentation of the vast discography of Louis Moholo-Moholo is invaluable to say the least. As a member of The Blue Notes in the 1960s, the South African drummer was a lightning rod for change in British jazz, but subsequent bands such as the much-loved Spirits Rejoice were also extraordinary in the way they built bridges between township traditions and the avant-garde.

Viva La Black – originally released back in 1988 – was an exciting addition to the lineage, with the potent horns of Sean Bergin, Steve Williamson and Claude Deppa providing a rich orchestral swell while Moholo-Moholo, bassist Roberto Bellatalla and percussionist Thebe Lipere made the rhythm section hot, hot, hot. The material is both deeply lyrical and irresistibly danceable, with the heady, hearty vamp of ‘Woza’ an absolute winner. Complete with bonus tracks not on the original LP and a beautiful gatefold sleeve, this is a reissue that belongs in the ‘essentials’ box.