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Basil Coetzee
Township Jazz: Unlocking The Vaults
by Chris May
Britain is often said to be the first country to have forged a style of jazz distinct from its American parent, during the late 1950s, in part through the influence of London-based players from South Asia. Closer examination of calendars and the historical record, however, shows that South Africa found its own jazz voice at the same time, if not sooner. In any event, in 1959 the Jazz Epistles, South Africa's premier first-wave modern jazz band, recorded an album, Jazz ...
read moreThose Who Remained Behind, Part 2
by Seton Hawkins
Many Jazz artists leave South Africa for exile in the 1960s and 1970s, but many remain behind, facing horrifying working conditions and oppression. In these two episodes, we'll explore their music and their efforts to resist apartheid within South Africa. Playlist Tete Mbambisa Stay Cool" from Black Heroes (As-Shams Records) 1:58 Pat Matshikiza Tshona" from Tshona! (EMI Records) 11:36 The Beaters Harari" from Harari (As-Shams Records) 24:34 Movement in the City Lament" from Afrika Underground (Counterpoint Records) ...
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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson