Search - Various Artists :: Township Jazz N Jive

Can I tell you how much I love this record...?

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 10/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A stellar collection of South African pop music from the 1940s and '50s -- probably the best introduction to the "jive" style that you can find, and fairly easy to track down. American swing and pop vocal styles are gloriously transmuted into delectable melodic forms -- the perfect thing to put on some day when you're down in the dumps and want to feel really, really warm and fuzzy. This disc features the best artists of the time, the recordings of many of whom are maddeningly impossible to find anywhere else. Especially cool are Miriam Makeba's original vocal ensemble, The Skylarks, and the beautiful pennywhistle music of groups such as the Solven Whistlers. This is a fun, fascinating album, and highly, highly recommended!"

The Best Collection of Vintage South African Jazz

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 07/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Township Jazz 'N' Jive" is nothing less than one of my all-time favorite CDs. On an initial listen, I was flabbergasted by what my ears heard: vintage R&B and Jazz performed through an African filter. This isn't World Music or Afropop; this is straight Jazz and R&B performed with a South African twist. Qualities include strong improvisation, vocals, melodies and song writing. The instrumentals are especially stirring. The sound quality is stellar, especially considering the time period and economic environment. Just as Blues and Jazz flourished in America (despite or because of segregation), Swing flowered in South Africa (despite or because of apartheid) in the 1950's. This music will delight those who appreciate American roots music like Blues, Ragtime, Ragtime, Jazz, etc. The liner notes are very informative in explaining the history of Marabi music. The art work is beyond hip. Since this recording, I've been through a dozen discs seeking additional music in this obscure genre. Some of the discs just repeat these songs but mostly I've found diamonds in the rough. Thus, this is the ultimate compilation of Marabi music. It's tragic that this gem is out-of-print; if you can afford the marketplace sellers' extravagant prices, "Township Jazz 'N' Jive" is worth it."