letta mbulu - letta mbulu sings/free soul
this reissue from $tateside sees the 2 albums that letta mbulu released in 1967 and 1968 with david axelrod doing production, they have never appeared on cd previously.
coming from south africa with a heritage in jazz these 2 albums are a bizarre blend of African tribal traditional chants and 60's infused soul r-n-b stompers with lettas powerful vocals leading from the front of these powered up grooves. with some tracks being sung in her native tongue, and others hitting the more commercially aware option where she sings in english to spread her message ( best example has to be the awesome 'my son' - featuring what sounds like a banjo amongst the sonic brilliance), as she was not just 'another soul diva', as letta was subject to exile status due to the apartheid situation and so settled in usa, and started to work with such names as cannonball adderley, harry belafonte and even michael jackson. however, these albums are far more than an exercise in quick commercial cash-in, david axelrod provides the trademark drum rhythms, tight and funky guitar licks, and expansive horns to provide a sound that is as relevant today as it was back in the late 60's now that his groove has been recycled and re-used to provide the backbone of several hip hop standards. the remastering brings these productions right up to date in startling clarity and makes for compelling listening.
sometimes the results are breathtaking, as on the opening track 'aredze' where the horns pump and drive the tribal chants along with such vigour it's difficult not to be swept along by the passion, as is the storm enhanced 'pula yetla' which is quite simply superb, sometimes they are not as easy to digest, but still the vocals are so powerful and epic, even if the melody doesn't hit gold there is still much to admire making you want to revisit the album again and again.
a fascinating reissue that's for sure, one that will suit all fans of axelrods funked up jazz styles, or anyone who wants more of that classic 60's soul that has yet to find its way into corporate advertising.
excellent