Guiding Star

構成数 : 1枚
合計収録時間 : 01:07:33
Personnel: Vusi Mahlasela (vocals, acoustic guitar); Vusi Mahlasela; The Children Of the Angnes Chici School In Mamelodi, Jabulani Kweyama, Xoli Sikhosana, Zinhle Mngadi, Dave Matthews, Gugu Mzobe, Mzwakhe Diamini, Fikile Majola, Lady Fair Zwane, Joseph Jili, Meshack Xulu, Christolene Plaatjies, Mthandeni Memela, Themba P. Ndawo, Mzwandile Kunene, Zinhle Dlamini, Andile Ndlovu, Nokwazi Mchunu Buyisiwe, Grace Seqeel, Musa Zungu, July Phakathi, Relebogile Mogale, Pampam Ndlovu, Kwenza Majozi, Lebohang Mafiri, Coco Dimba, Mimi Jili, Chris Faya, Lesego Rampolokeng, Xavier Rudd (vocals); Guy Buttery (acoustic guitar, mandolin); Steve Newman, Laurence Matshikiza, Steve Newman, Lawrence Matshiza (acoustic guitar); Kenny Mathaba, Kenny Mathaba (electric guitar); Derek Trucks (slide guitar); Sibusis Victor Masondo, Sibusiso Victor Masondo (strings, bass guitar); Ollie Viljoen, Ollie Vilioen (accordion); Barry Snyman, Barry Snyman (saxophone); Jannie 'Hannepoot' Van Tonder (brass); Paul Hamner, Paul Hamner (piano, harmonium, organ); Pedro Espi-Sanchez, Pedro Sanchez (percussion); Warrick Sony, Warrick Sony (programming); Louisa (background vocals); KCC Choir, Hlanganani Brothers (vocals); Lloyd Ross (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin); Moses Mafiri (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Robin Auld, George Manxola "Marco", Julio Sigaque, Albert Frost, Mauritz Lotz (electric guitar); Wynand Davel (violin); Lani Van Der Merwe (cello); Chris Letcher (strings); Mathintane (concertina); Roger Bashew (organ); Ian Herman (drums, percussion); Mabi Thobejane (percussion); Queen Ranyama, Ephraim Gumede, Solomon Motuba (background vocals). Additional personnel: Jem (vocals); Xavier Rudd (guitar); Derek Trucks (acoustic guitar); Black Moses Ngwenya (organ); Dave Matthews, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Audio Mixer: Lloyd Ross. Photographer: Costa Economedes. Guiding Star is South African singer/songwriter Vusi Mahlasela's sixth album overall -- and his second to be issued in the United States. This record seems to be a priority for his label, ATO. Rightfully so. When The Voice -- his first set for the label -- was issued in 2003, they were hopeful; it was thought that based on his appearance in the Amandla! film, and given his reputation as one of the premier poets and musicians coming out of South Africa, that he'd be a natural with American audiences. To its credit, ATO is a "stick by its artists no matter what" outfit, and the label knows talent. The Voice did reasonably well for an indie, and was widely celebrated critically. Yet, as good as it was, Guiding Star stands head and shoulders above it, and the music will speak that to anyone who hears it. ATO is trying to underscore this on the sleeve of the CD, accenting a few of the many guests who appear here. American audiences will recognize Dave Matthews, Derek Trucks, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and some will recognize Xavier Rudd. There is a problem with this kind of marketing, however. African music and world music purists might mistakenly think that these appearances water down Mahlasela's Afro-pop magic, and that these "special guests" are added only as a commodity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Matthews' voice has a high profile since he is a duet partner on "Sower of Words" (the only track he appears on), but it's a hell of a song, no matter who is singing it. The other folks mentioned contribute a guitar or a backing vocal here and there. In other words, they collaborated with Mahlasela, not vice versa. With the exception of Ladysmith on "Heaven in My Heart" and Black Moses Ngwenya on "Ntombi Mbali," sung in Zulu, anyone might have stepped into almost anyone else's shoes here; that's how focused and pronounced Mahlasela's vision is, making virtually everything else interchangeable. That said, these are only a few of the session players on Guiding Star -- there are 35 listed in the credits from all over the world and this does not include the Afric to be continued...
録音 : ステレオ (Studio)