AS-SHAMS ARCHIVE VOL. 1: SOUTH AFRICAN JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL 1975-1982 by VARIOUS
Tracks
- kippie moketsi - umgababa
- pat matshikiza - dreams are wonderful
- tete mbambisa - umthsakazi the bride
- dick khoza - lilongwe
- mike makhalemele - spring is here
- black disco - night express
- lionel pillay - blues for yusef
- harari - musikana
- movement in the city - blue sunday
- sathima bea benjamin - music
Description
Rush Hour Store Record of the week W07:
Here’s a record we’ve been playing a lot recently: ‘As-Shams Archive Volume 1’, the double album introduction to pioneering South-African jazz imprint As-Shams/The Sun that documented some of the most exciting developments in SA jazz, soul and funk in the seventies.
Spread over ten pivotal rare groove compositions taken from key South-African jazz, soul and funk albums spanning from 1975 to 1982, ‘Archive Volume 1’ is a thrilling and adventurous 85 minute ride through the South-African jazz underground that features essential tracks from the likes of Dick Khoza, Black Disco and Harari and a host of illustrious others.
Starting off with the positively upbeat ‘Umgababa’ by Kippie Moketsi and the infectious soul jazz of Pat Matshikiza’ s ‘Dreams Are Wonderful’ (also featuring Kippie Moketsi) proceedings mellow out on side B, only to get extra heavy on the C-side with the sample-ready fusion groover ‘Night Express’ off their crazy rare 1976 album of the same name and the irresistibly funky ‘Blues for Yusef’ by Lionel Pillay, two of the many highlights on this action-packed thriller. (RO)
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As-Shams Archive Vol. 1 introduces the core catalogue of As-Shams/The Sun, the independent record label that documented some of the most exciting developments in jazz, funk and soul from South Africa in the 1970s. With 10 tracks from 10 iconic albums featuring 10 different artists and 10 original compositions, this 2LP compilation delivers 85 minutes of South African music history.
Including essential tracks by the likes of Dick Khoza, Black Disco and Harari, remastered from the original analog tapes and housed in a gatefold art sleeve, As-Shams Archive Vol. 1 is an unbeatable introduction to South African rare groove for new listeners as well as a long-awaited first anthology for the label’s many devoted followers.
