No Boundaries

Performer: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Producer: Isak Roux
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Joseph Shabalala, Jockey Shabalala, Msizi Innocent Shabalala, Thulani Shabalala, Sibongiseni Lucas Shabalala, Thamsanqua Shabalala, Albert Mazibuko, Abednego Mazibuko, Russel Mthembu, Jabulane Dubazana (vocals). Additional personnel: Ralf Goth�ni (piano); English Chamber Orchestra. Along with the Chieftains and Kronos Quartet, the South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo renders borders between geographical locations and musical forms virtually irrelevant. The group has lent their distinctive harmonies to recordings with everyone from Paul Simon to Dolly Parton, and NO BOUNDARIES finds them collaborating with the English Chamber Orchestra (conducted by Ralf Gothoni), expanding and enriching their range even further. The orchestrations are judiciously arranged, never overwhelming Ladysmith's precise, heartfelt harmonies. The orchestra often acts as an extension of LBM, almost like another member of the chorus, embellishing the melodies. In addition to American gospel songs, this collective interprets works from the Western European classical tradition, including a gently rousing take on Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and Schubert's "Sanctus (Heilig, Heilig, Heilig)." On the latter track, the vocalists of Ladysmith are joined by tenor soloist Robert Brooks for a sublime interlacing of Zulu and classical traditions (with little touches of baroque and plainsong). NO BOUNDARIES is a classy-yet-unpretentious selection of beautiful songs performed by people who know that musical and cultural common ground can be found almost anywhere.

Dirty Linen (p.66) - "The orchestral take on Paul Simon's 'Homeless' is fantastic, and now there is another version of 'Amazing Grace' to make the spine tingle."

From the South African musical style mbube, Ladysmith Black Mambazo popularized a more modern, sophisticated offshoot known as iscathamiya. They quickly became the genre's leading practitioners, with a vocal harmony blend that incorporated everything from mbube to gospel and doo wop. The group began recording in the mid-1970s, gaining great acclaim in their home country, but it wasn't until their collaboration with Paul Simon on his GRACELAND album in 1986 that Ladysmith broke through to an international audience. World tours, a US major-label deal, and a Grammy award followed.

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