The Blue Notes for Johnny

In the mid-60s, the South African quintet called the Blue Notes emigrated from South Africa to England, both to escape the apartheid rule in force there and to search for more fertile ground to develop their unique combination of township music and avant-garde leaning jazz. Tragically, their brilliant trumpet player Mongezi Feza died in 1975 and their bassist, the extraordinary virtuoso Johnny Dyani passed away in 1986. This album is a loving tribute, by turns mournful and joyous, to Dyani by the three remaining members of the Blue Notes. The trio consists of saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, pianist Chris McGregor, and drummer Louis Moholo. Aside from Dyani, the musical spirit of Abdullah Ibrahim, another celebrated South African expatriate, hovers over the proceedings. McGregors piano in particular recalls that of Ibrahim, especially his earlier, wilder work. Pukwana has a singular sound on his reeds, ranging from a soulful strut reminiscent of Arthur Blythe to free-form cries and screams. The looseness of the trios approach allows for an emotional range of "conversation" to take place as they recall their late comrade. When they play "Ntyilo Ntyilo," a traditional tune often performed by Dyani, the emotion is palpable and deep, and makes this release a fine memorial to one of the under-recognized giants of the bass. ~ Brian Olewnick