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| As-Shams Archive Vol. 1: South African Jazz, Funk & Soul 1975-1982 |
MARCH 2023: 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 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, 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.
1. KIPPIE MOKETSI – “Umgababa” (K. Moketsi)
From the album Tshona! (1975)
Alto Sax - Kippie Moketsi, Tenor Sax – Basil Coetzee, Piano – Pat Matshikiza, Bass – Alec Khaoli, Drums – Sipho Mabuse.
2. PAT MATSHIKIZA – “Dreams are Wonderful” (P. Matshikiza)
From the album Sikiza Matshikiza (1976)
Piano – Pat Matshikiza, Alto Sax – Kippie Moketsi, Tenor Sax – Duku Makasi, Trumpet – George Tyefumani, Guitar – Sandile Shange, Bass – Sipho Gumede, Drums – Gilbert Matthews.
3. TETE MBAMBISA – “Umthsakazi (The Bride)” (T. Mbambisa)
From the album Tete’s Big Sound (1976)
Piano – Tete Mbambisa, Alto Sax – Barney Rachabane, Tenor Sax – Duku Makasi/Aubrey Simani, Baritone Sax – Freeman Lambatha, Trumpet – Tex Nduluka, Guitar – Enoch Mthalane, Bass – Sipho Gumede, Drums – Dick Khoza.
4. DICK KHOZA – “Lilongwe” (D. Khoza)
From the album Chapita (1975)
Drums – Dick Khoza/Negro Mathunjwa, Tenor & Soprano Sax – Ezra Ngcukana, Tenor Sax – Aubrey Simani/Khaya Mahlangu, Alto Sax - Teaspoon Noel, Trumpet – Themba Mehlomakulu, Trombone – Willie Nettie, Electric Piano – Mac Mathunjwa, Lead Guitar – Themba Mokoena, Rhythm Guitar – Joe Zikhali, Bass Guitar – Bethuel Maphumulo.
5. MIKE MAKHALEMELE – “Spring is Here” (M. Makhalemele)
From the album Blue Mike (1982)
Tenor Sax – Mike Makhalemele, Organ – Jabu Nkosi, Bass – Zulu Bidi, Drums – Nelson Magwaza.
6. BLACK DISCO – “Night Express” (B. Coetzee)
From the album Night Express (1976)
Organ – Pops Mohamed, Flute & Tenor Sax – Basil Coetzee, Bass – Sipho Gumede, Drums – Peter Morake.
7. LIONEL PILLAY – “Blues for Yusef” (L. Pillay)
From the album Deeper in Black (1980)
Piano – Lionel Pillay, Alto Sax – Barney Rachabane, Tenor & Soprano Sax – Duku Makasi, Bass – Sipho Gumede, Drums – Gilbert Matthews.
8. HARARI – “Musikana” (S. Ntuli, A. Khaoli, S. Mabuse)
From the album Rufaro (1976)
Vocals – Selby Ntuli/Alec Khaoli/Sipho Mabuse, Alto Sax – Barney Rachabane, Trumpet – Stompie Manana, Lead Guitar – Themba Mokoena, Keyboard – Selby Ntuli, Bass – Alec Khaoli, Drums – Sipho Mabuse.
9. MOVEMENT IN THE CITY – “Blue Sunday” (P. Mohamed)
From the album Movement in the City (1979)
Piano – Pops Mohamed, Tenor Sax – Basil Coetzee, Bass – Peter Odendaal, Drums – Monty Weber.
10. SATHIMA BEA BENJAMIN – “Music” (B. Benjamin)
From the album African Songbird (1976)
Vocals – Sathima Bea Benjamin, Flute – Basil Coetzee, Bass - Louis Spears/Basil Moses/Lionel Beukes, Drums - Doug Sides/Monty Weber.
Cover Photograph by RALPH NDAWO
Gatefold Artwork (Vinyl Edition) by HARGREAVES NTUKWANA
Audio Mastering by Noah Mintz
Design Layout by Rouleaux van der Merwe
Compiled & Produced by Calum MacNaughton
Executive Producer: Rashid Vally
Cat. No. ASA101
℗ 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1982 As-Shams/The Sun
© 2023 As-Shams Archive
As-Shams Archive is home to the catalogues of As-Shams/The Sun, its predecessor Soultown Records and the reissue imprint MANDLA. The archive holds original master tapes, unreleased recordings, photographs, artwork and ephemera documenting the story of South African jazz in the 1970s.
