In the mid-'60s, the South African quintet called
the Blue Notes emigrated from South Africa to England, both to escape the apartheid rule in force there and to search for more fertile ground to develop their unique combination of township music and avant-garde leaning jazz. Tragically, their brilliant trumpet player
Mongezi Feza died in 1975 and their bassist, the extraordinary virtuoso
Johnny Dyani passed away in 1986. This album is a loving tribute, by turns mournful and joyous, to
Dyani by the three remaining members of the
Blue Notes. The trio consists of saxophonist
Dudu Pukwana, pianist
Chris McGregor, and drummer
Louis Moholo. Aside from
Dyani, the musical spirit of
Abdullah Ibrahim, another celebrated South African expatriate, hovers over the proceedings.
McGregor's piano in particular recalls that of
Ibrahim, especially his earlier, wilder work.
Pukwana has a singular sound on his reeds, ranging from a soulful strut reminiscent of
Arthur Blythe to free-form cries and screams. The looseness of the trio's approach allows for an emotional range of "conversation" to take place as they recall their late comrade. When they play
"Ntyilo Ntyilo," a traditional tune often performed by
Dyani, the emotion is palpable and deep, and makes this release a fine memorial to one of the under-recognized giants of the bass. ~ Brian Olewnick
