This is a compilation album of South African jazz put together by Fred Spider, a DJ and (apparently) subject matter expert. Outside of Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masakela and Zim Ngqawana (the latter featured on this compilation) I know very little of South African jazz, but I really like what I have heard. I was hoping this compilation would expand my horizon in this respect. In particular, one of the things that fascinates me with what little I know is the harmonies used in South African jazz. I was expecting a lot of that and... it didn't really materialise apart from the Zim Ngqawana tune I knew already. All in all I'd say that the music is good, and I have no reason to doubt Spider's selection. That said, I feel like a lot of these tunes could have been written in the US and are maybe a bit too influenced my global musical trends. I was hoping for something a bit more distinctive and unique.
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