We Have Waited Too Long (Remastered) The Jazzanians

• 1Bayete06:31
• 2Zandile04:47
• 3Peace Meal04:39
• 4Badisa06:33
• 5We Have Waited Too Long07:57
• 6The Rainbow04:07
• 7Se Hamba Nabo08:13
• Total Runtime42:47

Info for We Have Waited Too Long (Remastered)

The Jazzanians' album "We Have Waited Too Long" is a captivating jazz masterpiece released by Ubuntu Music. This highly anticipated album showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of the band, delivering a mesmerizing blend of traditional and contemporary jazz.

With their unique sound and impeccable musicianship, The Jazzanians take listeners on a musical journey filled with rich harmonies, intricate melodies, and infectious rhythms. Each track on the album is carefully crafted to evoke a range of emotions, from introspective moments of reflection to exhilarating bursts of energy.

The Jazzanians' ability to seamlessly fuse different jazz styles is evident throughout the album. Drawing inspiration from swing, bebop, fusion, and Latin jazz, they create a dynamic and diverse listening experience that will captivate both avid jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

From the opening notes of the first track to the closing chords of the last, "We Have Waited Too Long" showcases The Jazzanians' incredible chemistry as a band. Their tight-knit ensemble work effortlessly complements each individual musician's virtuosity, resulting in an album that is both cohesive and spontaneous.

Listeners can expect to be transported into a world where music becomes an immersive experience. The intricate arrangements and improvisations on "We Have Waited Too Long" demonstrate The Jazzanians' commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to the essence of jazz.

Overall, "We Have Waited Too Long" is an extraordinary album that highlights The Jazzanians' exceptional musicianship and their passion for creating innovative jazz music. With its captivating melodies, intricate harmonies, and infectious rhythms, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens.

Given the style and era of this 1988 recording and leader Johnny Mekoa’s superb trumpet playing, listeners will be reminded of Paul Simon’s Graceland and their favorite songs from Hugh Masekela’s massive discography. Alto sax and flute, played by the now legendary Zim Ngqawana, tenor and soprano saxes played by Nic Paton plus Andrew Eagle on guitar complete the front line, a historic formation arranged like a little big band. Melvin Peters (long a top-rated pianist in SA), takes star turns on electric keyboard as well as taking care of the harmonies. Lulu Gontsana on drums lays down danceable ‘Township’ grooves and Victor Masondo’s fretless electric bass supports the band from the bottom up, contributing bad ass, witty fills. (Darius Brubeck)

Rooted in local African tradition, short melodic phrases are repeated over layers of exciting interlocking parts, while solos reflect the influence of American jazz. Even the two softer pieces (‘We Have Waited Too Long’ and ‘Peace Meal’) combine all these dynamic elements. ‘Bayete’ sets the overall tone and pace with a couple of South African guitar licks that unleash the energy of the whole band as if they had indeed ‘waited too long’. Once they get started, there’s no stopping. The title of the final track, ‘Se Hamba Nabo’ (we go together) implies both an ending of an era and a new beginning. Such was the excitement of South Africa at the end of the ‘80s and this album captures what is great about South African jazz. (Darius Brubeck)

Victor Masondo, bass
Johnny Mekoa, trumpet, valve trombone
Andrew Eagle, guitar
Nic Paton, tenor and soprano saxophone
Zim Ngqawana, alto saxophone, flute
Melvin Peters, keyboards, piano
Lulu Gontsana, drums, percussion

Originally recorded and mixed at Sound Crew Studio, Natal, South Africa, 1988.

Digitally remastered

The Jazzanians
were a multi-racial jazz ensemble spearheaded by Darius and Catherine Brubeck, in South Africa under Apartheid. Their 1988 album, We Have Waited Too Long, has been restored and remastered by Peter Beckmann, Mastering Engineer of TechnologyWorks from an old recording, for release on 12th April this year.

were a unique band of exceptionally talented South African students, some of whom were already professional musicians. I launched the first university degree in Jazz at the University of Natal in 1984 and in 1988, the Jazzanians were the first multi-racial student jazz ensemble from South Africa to tour outside the country. They were a huge hit and appeared on national NBC and CBS television in the USA. Following this success, it seemed natural that the band should record, and We Have Waited Too Long was the result.

This album contains no booklet.