Record Reviews

JOHNNY DYANI ~ REJOICE / TOGETHER CADILLAC 012/013 (Barcode: 5020675971325) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 - 1980 Released: 2014 This is an expanded 2CD reissue / remaster of two albums involving the great South African (and later British / European) bassist Johnny DyaniFind albums by this artist, both released on the legendary CadillacFind albums on this label label, founded by John JackFind albums by this artist. The first album “RejoiceFind albums with this title” was recorded by Dyani with trumpeter Mongezi FezaFind albums by this artist and Turkish drummer / percussionist Okay TemizFind albums by this artist, collectively called XabaFind albums by this artist, in 1972, but released only in 1988, and is here expanded by a previously unreleased track, over twenty minutes in duration. The second album “TogetherFind albums with this title” was recorded by the ensemble called Witchdoctor`s SonFind albums by this artist, an octet that included Dyani on keyboards and vocals, saxophonist Dudu PukwanaFind albums by this artist and other musicians, recorded between 1979-1980, but released only in 1987. Both albums were recorded in Stockholm, Sweden. The album is a great tribute to South African expatriate community, which contributed greatly to the development of the British and European Jazz scene over the years, in many respects more profoundly than any other group among the many emigres that turned British Jazz into the most interesting and culturally fertile grounds ever. Of course Dyani, Feza and Pukwana are best known for their work as members of the legendary Blue NotesFind albums by this artist ensemble. Musically the two albums are quite different: The intimate trio recording spotlights the Free Jazz phenomenon with emphasis of Feza’s sensational trumpet virtuosity, Dyani’s superb bass pulsations and the extraordinary drumming fluency of Temiz, who was resident in Stockholm when the trio set was recorded. The trio recorded several albums together, all released at the time on Swedish labels. The octet recording is more about collective improvisation and ethnic influences, group dynamic and the joy of playing together. Overall, as all the Cadillac reissues, this is a brilliant document of the British Jazz scene, which should be an absolutely essential part of any serious British Jazz collection, thankfully now available on CD, with the original LPs being now very hard to find. Grab a copy as long as they last!

Updated: 08/08/2023Posted: 08/08/2023

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