Chillout Sessions [Wrasse]

Performer: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Producer: Marc Woolford
Distributor: Alternative Dis. Alliance

Notes: Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Joseph Shabalala, Jockey Shabalala, Thulani Shabalala, Sibongiseni Lucas Shabalala, Thamsanqua Shabalala, Abednego Mazibuko, Russel Mthembu, Jabulane Dubazana, Msizi Shabalala. An adventurous move made by a number of remixers here. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the premier Zulu vocal group worldwide, specializes in their signature brand of a cappella works. On this album, though, a number of remixers add instrumental tracks to the backing of the old Ladysmith hits, adding something of an urban feel to it and bits of ambient and house here and there. Perhaps most noticeable is the work of Marc Woolford as the Soul Drummers here, providing half the tracks for the album. Also featured, though, are Temple of Sound (Count Dubulah and Neil Sparkes), Dumi Dhlamini, Concord Nkabinde, and Nicky Blumenfeld, all worthwhile mixers here. It's a laid-back affair on this album, with light keyboards and slick productions dominating the new versions. This is music specially engineered for a gathering of people, but carefully laid on the side of the line away from dance. It's ambient music at its best, and an interesting direction for Ladysmith to take. Pick it up for the new directions and listen to it repeatedly for the musical value. ~ Adam Greenberg

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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