Dudu Pukwana
Diamond Express
Arista Freedom (US) 1977
AF 1041 (LP) Original pressing. w/original inner sleeve(CO, SPSE: tear on one corner.)
sleeve : EX(CO, light collapse on one corner.)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noises.)
A leader album released in 1977 by alto saxophonist Dudu Pukwana from South Africa, who was also active as a member of the Afro-jazz-rock band Assagai. Mongezi Feza (trumpet), who left behind the Afro-jazz masterpiece Music For Xaba, recorded in 1973 with Okay Temiz and Johnny Mbizo Diani, also participates. The album features five tracks of wonderful Afro-jazz grooves with an open and liberating feel, including A1, a lighthearted track with a blend of New Orleans jazz, Afro-primitive elements, and freeform grooves that will make your body sway, A2, where brass ensembles and electric piano groove with funkiness, and B3, a deep, funky bebop tune with a dark, blowing vibe. B1, which develops a Fela Kuti-like Afro-spiritual sound, stands out as the best track, with its impressive drum and percussion break in the second half. Highly recommended. Original US pressing.
A1: Ubaqile
A2: Diamon Express
B1: Madodaja