CD Review: Kheswa & Her Martians' 'Meadowlands, Stolen Jazz'

Kheswa & Her Martians
Meadowlands, Stolen Jazz
Xippi

Kheswa & Her Martians bring us a writhing mix of South African jazz grooves abundant with piano, guitar, trumpet, sax, bass, drums, and some vocals. The opener, "Tshona," is an instrumental delight with giddy grooves, punchy sax, and classic piano chords matched with swishy percussion and South African charm. "Ntyilo Ntyilo" is a classic jazz song with great vocals and a bouncing piano melody that sparkles with post-Apartheid soul. "Malaika" is a popular song throughout Africa with many covers done over the years by many different artists. This tune is slow, classic, and jazzy with little instrumentation. "Simon" is a richly-textured with up-beat, jazzy rhythms. Vocally, Kheswa is akin to Benin's Angelique Kidjo. The entire album was recorded live at Joe's Pub in New York City on July 14, 2013. Fans of South African jazz, world jazz, and African music in general will love Kheswa & Her Martians. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Wouter Kellerman's 'Mzansi'

Wouter Kellerman
Mzansi
Kellerman Music

Hailing from South Africa, Wouter Kellerman is a flautist with an ear for European and African melodies and rhythms. There are a variety of languages and vocal arrangements. For instance, there are reggae-fused vocals, backup vocals, scat singing, and others. The popular African song, "Malaika," is covered here in Swahili. Basic Afro-pop instrumentation is all here, but the songs possess a multicultural vein truly is "African and otherwise...," according to Wouter Kellerman. There are lush melodies, airy flutes, pensive piano, heady percussion, and world fusion sounds that awaken the spirit and lift the feet. With a diverse musical background, guest musicians from different countries, and a wide variety of instruments, Mzansi is a world fusion feast for the ears. Anyone with an interest in world jazz, African music, world fusion, instrumental, and rhythmic, musical wanderings will love Mzansi. ~ Matthew Forss