Search - Zim Ngqawana :: Vadzimu

Deep Magic

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 08/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love South African jazz.



Whether it be the Khwela gloriously purveyed by, e.g., Lebombo, the Township jazz of Hugh Masekela, the Chris McGregor-led Blue Notes, the Dedication Orchestra's expansion and extension of that legacy, Louis Moholo's Viva La Black, or the vast canon of Abdullah Ibraham, there's a deep-delved melancholy in South African jazz that seldom fails to light my fire.



Add to that list Zim Ngquawana.



The only possible reason this disc (I haven't heard his others, also available on Amazon) isn't riding near the top of the jazz charts is that few people have heard it. What we've got here is primordial South African jazz, brilliantly conceived and executed.



Practically unknown in the West, Ngquawana deserves to be placed at the very top of South African jazz.



More world jazz of great accomplishment. Highest recommendation."

One of the best CDs of all time

S. Hawkins | New York, NY | 02/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hate resorting to such grand statements, but Vadzimu has, in my mind, earned its place as one of the best albums ever. It is sad to think that it will never garner the attention it deserves nor exert the influence it should, but for those who track it down, this album is a treasure.



It divides up into an epic, suite-like organization. The first part, Satire, contains pieces that reference traditional forms of South African music (a stand-out track is Gumboot Dance). From there, the album moves into a vast array of styles and moods, from the darkly brooding "Long Waltz to Freedom" to the more jubilant cover of Abdullah Ibrahim's "Carnival Samba."



Zim's saxophone tone is a distinctive, often cutting, wail. He is buoyed by some of his mainstays, such as Andile Yenana on piano, but also brings in harp, viola, etc in order to augment his usual quartet.



The music requires an open-mindedness on the part of the listener. Not so much because it is inaccessible, but simply because Zim leaps around in style and mood, refusing to settle musically or creatively. However, if you are up for some extremely creative, brilliant music, this album is for you.



As, incidentally, are his earlier albums."