Tuesday, December 19, 2006

RIP Taliep Peterson

For those who didn't hear, Taliep Peterson was murdered in his home this past Saturday. Apparently, police are declaring it was an orchestrated hit, rather than a random act of violence following a home robbery.

If you haven't heard of him, Taliep was one of the greatest composers of musical theatre - a Cape Town based musician who brought in styles like the ghoema into his compositions, and collaborated with David Kramer.

I've only had the pleasure of hearing one of his full-length albums, Deur Dik & Dun, but it showcases a brilliant artist who writes beautiful, fun music.

This is the second major musical loss this year in South Africa to murder. Saxophonist Moses Khumalo, one of the bright young stars of South African jazz, was killed earlier this year.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Worst Album Covers Ever

Okay, this post is not related to South African jazz - apologies. However, I had to share these links, as they are priceless beyond words.

And the album covers presented are truly, truly, gut-wrenching. There is just no excuse .

http://porktornado.diaryland.com/albumcover.html

http://porktornado.diaryland.com/covers2.html

New Reviews are Up

Reviews of the Sounds of South Africa concert, as well as Gloria Bosman's album Emzini, are both posted on All About Jazz.

The concert review is here.

The CD review is here.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Ntemi Piliso Re-Issued!!

Very exciting news - Gallo has just re-issued a number of recordings that Ntemi Piliso recorded in the 1970s.

Some of you may know Ntemi from the re-formed African Jazz Pioneers, something of South Africa's equivalent to the Buena Vista Social Club.

However, on these newly re-issued albums, you can hear Ntemi a bit more in his prime - really gritty, driving township jazz/mbaqanga. Well worth checking out for anyone who likes early Hugh Masekela, or the recordings Abdullah Ibrahim made in South Africa during the 1970s.