Hugh Masekela – Still Grazing

Still Grazing
Hugh Masekela
(Blue Thumb – 2004)

Trumpeter/Flugelhornist/Vovalist Hugh Masekela came to New York in the early 1960’s when his South African homeland was suffering through the fierce injustices of apartheid. A self-proclaimed jazz worshipper, he wanted to join the band of Art Blakely or one of his other heroes. Instead, he became a “world music” pioneer, mixing up the bright sounds and rhythms of the townships with jazz, R&B, and Brazilian samba.

Released in conjunction with his autobiography, this disc features Masakela classics like Bajabula Bonke (The Healing Song), Child of the Earth and of course Grazing in the Grass which was a summertime anthem for many of us. These recordings are collected from Masekela’s Chisa, Uni, and Blue Thumb releases, a formative stretch of a long career.