Mozambique-Norwegian world jazz

Inta Mutlhangela opens the album with the universally loved
sound of children at play. This paves the way for the sound
of Ivan Mazuze's sonorously satisfying alto saxophone. The
band joins in on Ivan's adaptation of a popular traditional
song from Mozambique that is often performed at happy and
important events.
We then head off on a truly delightful musical journey;
an album encompassing styles and genres that serve to
complement the depth and beauty of Ivan's compositions and
arrangements.
Dancing with Malala has a Corea-esque quality to its
phrasing and is a great introduction to the effortless fluency
of bassist, Peter Ndlala. Ivan switches to soprano sax for the
uplifting title track, Ubuntu. Following his absorbing solo we
meet virtuoso guitarist Jacob Young. On My Two Northern
Lights, Ivan and Jacob perform a reflective and evocative
acoustic duet.
The Republic of Dongo (a fictitious country devised by
author and global economist, Dambisa Moyo) is a head
swaying, flowing ride. Ivan says that, 'the album features
and is inspired by various 6/8 time signatures from the
African continent'. The track is impressively punctuated by
the immaculate playing of master percussionist, Frank Paco.
Water, that most precious of commodities, trickles through
a contemplative track featuring Ivan and pianist, Michael
Bloch. Kulhula is a charmingly relaxed piece with a
compelling motif and driving bass riffs from the omnipresent
Ndlala. We're back to 6/8 on Malecon with Ivan playing
flute. There are endearing solos from Peter and from pianist,
Sifiso Makalisa.
A Short Piece is an inspired and empathic musical dialogue
between Ivan and Michael. Like nouveau cuisine, it presents
attractive and stimulating combinations and it leaves you
wanting more! Next up is Hamba Kahle with its memorable
theme, a vigorous groove produced by dynamic band
interplay and some vibrant exchanges between Ivan and
Jacob.
Ivan went to introduce his newly born baby girl to his
grandmother. She and her neighbour are heard in jubilant
chant during the intro to Celebration. The track also features
Ivan on various saxophones and Sidiki Camara on balafon, (a
type of wooden xylophone much used by African musicians).
Finally, we hear Talking To Myself, a reflective ballad
featuring the warmth and emotion of Ivan's alto playing and
a lovely and sensitive solo by Michael.
The word 'Ubuntu' is often used in a philosophical sense
to mean 'the belief in a universal bond of sharing that
connects all humanity'. For Ivan, it means: 'To give,
without the expectation of receiving, thereby supporting the
improvement of the individuals and communities around
me'. He says that the album is inspired by African urban
living and its development and also by some of southern
Africa's great contemporary composers, like the late Bheki
Mseleku.
Ivan Mazuze personifies generosity of spirit on this album.
There is a kind of benevolence and compassion about his
work that lifts you, makes you smile and feel good inside. In
the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 'Music is the
universal language of mankind'.

Track Listing

• Inta Mutlhangela
• Dancing With Malala
• Ubuntu
• My Two Northern Lights
• The Republique Of Dongo
• Water
• Kulhula
• Malecon
• A Short Piece
• Hamba Kahle
• Celebration
• Talking to Myself

Additional Details

Label: Losen Records

Genre: Jazz

Language: English

Run Time: 53:47 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 01/15/16

UPC: 7090025831393