VARIOUS – Fred Spider presents Chakalaka Jazz – 2LP – Vinyl [NOV 8]

2LP – Black Vinyl: Hard to find South African jazz gems selected by record digger Fred Spider, featuring tracks by Victor Ntoni, Gibson Kente, Winston Ngozi, Victor Ndlazilwane, Zim Ngqawana and Jonny Dynai, among others.

While music traditions are often defined by established and protected sets of characteristics, popular music in South Africa betrays a willingness to adapt homegrown styles and an enthusiasm to adopt new influences. Musical currents like marabi, goema and mbaqanga help define what makes indigenous jazz unique, but it’s the eclecticism and hybridisation found in South African crates that keeps vinyl archaeologists like Fred “Voom Voom” Spider digging deeper.

If we consider jazz to be a global musical dish, it follows that South Africa brings a distinct sonic salsa to the table. Spider calls it “Chakalaka Jazz” after the local tomato, onion and chilli relish that frequently accompanies South African meals. It’s the essential ingredient that unites and spices this diverse selection of tracks spanning the years 1969 through 2003. Featuring locals, exiles and expats with a reverent nod to the golden years of the 1970’s, these rare musical treasures are held together by that magical South African favour.

Compiled by Fred Spider.

Notes by Calum MacNaughton

Tracklist:

1. Victor Ntoni & Clarence Wilson – The Sacred Lion Dance
2. Gibson Kente – Saduva
3. The Soweto Boys – What You Say?
4. The Drive – Zone No. 6
5. The Cliff Feat. Winston Mankunku Ngozi – Revelation
6. The Four Sounds – Seven Steps Lament
7. The Jazz Ministers – Zandile
8. The Tailfeathers – Tail Feathers
9. Cassidy-Clarke Band – Doctor L
10. Zim Ngqawana – Kubi
11. Johnny Dyani – Magwaza