Strut present the first international reissues of two classics of South African jazz by Malombo Jazz Makers, here is the ‘Malompo Jazz’ (1966).

Malombo Jazz Makers

Malombo Jazz

Cat No: STRUT314LP
Release date: 26 may 2023
Format: LP
Country: South Africa

Strut present the first international reissues of two classics of South African jazz by Malombo Jazz Makers, here is the ‘Malompo Jazz’ (1966).

 21,4

In stock (ready to ship)

In stock

Listen to: Malombo Jazz

0:00
0:00
1. Abbey's Mood
03:44
2. Lullaby for Angels
03:40
3. Grab This for Me
01:56
4. Emakhaya
02:32
5. Blues After Lunch
02:41
6. Bababelo
03:12
7. Intandane
02:13
8. A Tribute to Birds
03:05
9. Root of Africa
03:09
10. Vuma Mbari
04:22
11. Lousy Fever
02:59
12. Jikeleza
02:11

Item Description

Formed in Mamelodi township near Pretoria, the group started out as Malombo Jazz Men with Julian Bahula on malombo drums, Abbey Cindi on flute and Philip Tabane on guitar. Fusing traditional and improvised rhythms with jazz, Malombo became renowned as one of the first South African bands to fully connect jazz with the African traditions.

Despite his undoubted genius, Tabane became erratic on tour and Bahula brought in another Mamelodi-based talent, guitarist Lucas “Lucky” Ranku, renaming the band Malombo Jazz Makers. The group played stadiums and festivals and were soon signed to Gallo.
Recording at a studio in Pretoria, the trio debuted with the album ‘Malompo Jazz’ in 1966, showcasing the simple, spacious beauty of the Malombo sound and Abbey Cindi’s compositions, with Mahotella Queens’ Hilda Tloubatla on guest vocals.

The partner follow-up album ‘Malombo Jazz Makers Vol. 2’ was recorded a year later, continuing the earthy flow of Malombo’s music. The two albums have since been recognised as unique landmarks of South African jazz through popular tracks like ‘Sibathathu’, ‘Jikeleza’ and ‘Emakhaya’. Alongside full original artwork, the albums feature a new interview with Julian Bahula.