JIMMY DLUDLU
AFROCENTRIC
 Universal 016
959-2
Crotchet midprice
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Guitars & Vocals: Jimmy Dludlu
Alto/Soprano Sax: Moreira Chonguica
Bass Guitar: Fana Zulu 1,3,4,5,11,12
Lucas Khumalo 6,8,9
Acoustic Bass: Charles Lazar 7,10
Percussion: John Hassan 2,5,6,8,11,13
Tlale Makhene
Piano & Keyboards: Mark Goliath 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,11,13
Mark Fransman 1,7,10,12
Drums: Frank Paco 4,6,11,13
Kessivin Naidoo 7,10,12
Trumpet: Hugh Masekela 3
Feya Faku 9
Strings: Soweto String Quartet
Vocals: Melanie Scholtz 10
Poetry: Duma Ndlovu 3
1. Afrocentric
2. I Wish I Knew
3. River of Lost Dreams
4. Inyoni iyaphapha
5. Common Dialogue
6. Walk of Life
7. Library in Flames
8. Simone
9. One in Between
10. Peaceful Moment
12. Mdantsane
13. The Wood That Sings of Sorrow
"Jimmy stands side by side with the guitar masters
of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery,
George Benson and Django Reinhardt. That he is confined to South Africa
is a great loss to the rest of the world. I hope that his record company
will have the vision to market him internationally because he will
certainly break down many walls. Jimmy is here to stay." by Hugh Masekela.
Having listened to this disc on several occasions
I can only agree with Mr. Masekela's opinion of Dludlu's talent and
echo his sentiments regarding more universal recognition of this truly
outstanding musician. Until I received this issue I was completely
unaware of this remarkably accomplished guitarist but I am now convinced
that he is a name to look out for in future. Whilst Hugh Masekela's
claims might seem somewhat extravagant I think anyone who listens
to this record will be compelled to agree. All of the influences cited
can be heard in Jimmy Dludlu's performances and yet he has managed
to develop and mould all of this into a highly personal style.
The music on this disc, while having its roots in
Jazz, transcends the boundaries of categorisation and is Dludlu's
own take on a blend of various idioms. All of the tunes are his own
compositions with the exceptions of "One In Between", which he co-wrote
with Mark Goliath, and "Simone" which was written by George Lee. "Afrocentric"
has great choral effects and, apart from the leader, features excellent
solos from Moreira Chonguica and piano from Mark Goliath. "I Wish
I Knew " has Benson-like scat during the theme and guitar solo - which
would serve to strip paint with its heat and intensity. "Inyoni iyaphapha"
is an intriguing mixture of Brazilian samba/bossa nova and African
influences. This is particularly fascinating as the roots of the samba
are from Africa . Of course there is a feeling of "High Life " music,
in the style of Abdullah Ibrahim, throughout this disc. The standard
of the accompanying musicians is excellent on all selections but I
am afraid this disc is really all about one person !
Dick Stafford.
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