South African jazz music sometimes feels like it is in hibernation or living off nostalgia. But that would be like pretending musicians like McCoy Mrubata who makes new music all the time, do not exist at all. The veteran composer, bandleader and saxophone player — who exhibits an energy and work ethic that would shame musicians half his age — released his latest album, “BRASSKAP SESSIONS Vol 1,” last year. I finally got to hear it during my recent month-long visit to South Africa. I played it again all day today. The personnel includes old regulars heard on Mrubata’s previous albums like Paul Hamner (piano), Andre Abrahamse (bass guitar) and Prince Lengoasa (trumpet), but also a whole host of guests: Kevin Gibson (on drums), Mark Fransman (sax), Louis Mhlanga (guitar), Barney Rachabane (sax), Greg Georgiades (oud), a spoken word poet, and a group of young musicians. Standout tracks: the title track “Brasskap,” “Somalia,” “Joburg Mountains,” “Khwela,” “Lala Sana Lwami,” and “Bra Gibb.”
Picture Credit: Geoffshar on Flickr
