Smooth Africa ll: Exploring The Soul by Various Artists

26 Mar

Written by Lee Prosser
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Combine contemporary jazz with the world music influences of South Africa, and you have a beautifully innovative collection of songs in SMOOTH AFRICA II: EXPLORING THE SOUL. It is a listening adventure which enchants and pleases with its great performing talents.

Such original songs as Allou April's "Bringing Joy," who performs on guitars, accordion, and vocals, and the vocals of Shaluza Max on "Mangase" are a few of the outstanding songs for the jazz listening audience. Each song is enjoyable jazz!

The listening audience will find plenty of style and verve in the piano and vocals of Joe McBride as he performs his fine composition, "Adderley Street." For something totally unique and unusual in this collection, take a close listen to the brilliant "Neria" composed and performed on acoustic guitar and vocals by Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi.

Everything about this CD collection is appealing and it is definitely an enjoyable listening pleasure. Gloria Bosman and Spyro Gyra are at their finest in this collection of original songs.

There is something for everybody in this recording. Highly recommended.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Various Artists
CD Title: Smooth Africa ll: Exploring The Soul
Genre: World Music
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Heads Up
Tracks: Each song is special and imaginative in this fine collection. Of special note is Gloria Bosman singing her composition, Omuntu Wakho and Andy Narell performing his composition, Punch.
Musicians: Allou April, Gloria Bosman, Jimmy Dludlu, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joe McBride, Andy Narell, Spyro Gyra, Moses Khumaio, Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, Prince Kupi, Shaluza Max. Various artists.
Label Website: http://www.headsup.com
Rating: Five Stars