Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz

In the most recent Wax Poetics issue, which I highly recommend purchasing, the magazine reviews a number of amazing and rare African artists and records. One of the albums featured in the latest issue is Hugh Masekela's amazing 1973 release "Hugh Masekela Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz". This funky record which combines Masekela's signature jazz sound alongside the Afrobeat grooves of Ghana's Hedzoleh Soundz. Masekela teamed up with this group after he arrived in West Africa during the early 70's looking for a fresh group of musicians to perform with. After hearing the seven member group of Hedzoleh Soundz at the Napoleon nightclub in Accra, Masekela recruited the group to become his new backing band. Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz is the only album recorded by this collaborative group and features some amazing tracks including "Languta", "Adade", "Rekpete", among many others. Overall, this short-lived collaboration is beautifully captured in this amazing record, which certainly works out to be one of Masekela's finest.

Hugh Masekela - Languta

Masekela is Doin' It

I don't have much time to blog today, so I think I will keep it short with this funky classic, entitled "Ashiko" from one of my favorite African jazz horn players Hugh Masekela. This nine-plus-minute cut is featured on Masekela's 1975 The Boy's Doin' It LP, which I happened to pick-up in New York for about two bucks! Not bad at all, especially for one of Masekela's more funkier records. Enjoy!

Hugh Masekela - Ashiko

This Ain't Disco, But Sure Is Funky

I wouldn't really describe this Hugh Masekela track "Jungle Jim" as disco, however I would definitely suggest that the African-flavoured jazz cut is funky and has been a personal favorite of mine for quite sometime. That being said, I would also have to say that Masekela's 1974 album I Am Not Afraid, which the track is included on, is one of my favorite albums of all-time. The entire record nicely blends together funky Afro-beat and traditional African soul with the premiere horn playing of Masekela, resulting in a sound that was well ahead of it's time. This is definitely one of those crossover records that I see disco, funk, dub/reggae, and jazz lovers all enjoying. A great track and an even more brilliant record that definitely lends itself to the upcoming warmer months ahead. Enjoy!

Hugh Masekela - Jungle Jim