Modern Masekela Magic
trevor.perks@virgin.net | Eastbourne, England | 10/19/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hugh Masekela is a hero. Exiled from South Africa as a result of the authorities banning him way back(whole chunks of albums at government controlled radio stations were scratched off thereby preventing them from being played, plus more ridiculous and bizarre acts of repression)he travelled the USA and Europe, establishing himself as one of the greats in the jazz world.This album is bang up to date (at the time of its release) with the then current social-political scene in SA without losing any of its musical appeal. The best track has to be Polina, which I originally heard on the Dave Grusin album 'Migration' (check this out too!). This is pure Masekela Magic - it will haunt you forever...I've seen the great man live, in Johannesburg at the legendary Kippies jazz venue, and also at Brighton University here in England. I feel honoured to be able to say that I've been in the same room as the man - but hey, don't write me off as a sycophant. Listen to Polina alone, and you'll be lining up for more."