Lost for over 50 years, Black Soul by The Anchors—where Memphis soul collides with township jazz—is finally back! Remastered from the original 1972 pressing, this afro-rock gem laid the foundation for South Africa’s afro-fusion revolution.
Black Soul from 1972 is the third and last known album by The Anchors, a soul group originally formed in Johannesburg's Alexandra township in 1968. Their first two albums, Soul Upstairs from 1969 and Everything from 1971, were issued on Teal's City Special label alongside other prominent South African soul groups of the era like The Beaters, The Movers and The Flaming Souls.
On Black Soul, The Anchors undergo a notable shift, moving away from their early Memphis soul influences towards a pioneering African-driven sound. These changes laid the foundations for an emerging afro-fusion scene in the years to come from groups like Batsumi, The Drive and Harari.
Black Soul features a who's who of intergenerational musicians from great South African bands over the decades. In addition to Zacks Nkosi, the renowned bandleader of the Jazz Maniacs and long-time member of the African Swingsters in the 1940s and 50s, this album includes kwela star Little Kid Lex Hendricks, known for his Columbia recordings of the late 1950s; as well as Zack's son Jabu Nkosi who would go on to play with The Drive, Roots and Sakhile; and Banza Kgasoane later a member of The Beaters, Harari and then Mango Groove.
Now remastered for its first release since the original 1972 pressing, this lost gem offers a revealing glimpse into the evolution of South African music during a transformative era.
ALBUM CREDITS
Zacks Nkosi (Sax), Patrick Jabu Nkosi (Organ and Flute), Anderson Nkosi (Lead Guitar), Given Sabela (Bass Guitar), Kid Lex Hendrix (Sax), Banza Kgasoane (Trumpet), Peter Morake (Drums), Hamilton Nzimande (Musical Director). Original LP issued in South Africa on GRC’s CBS label (LAB 4037) in 1972. Produced for reissue by Chris Albertyn and Matt Temple at Matsuli Music, and Siemon Allen at Flatinternational. Original vinyl sourced from the Flatinternational Archive. Artwork restoration and design by Siemon Allen. Audio restoration, mastering and lacquers by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Manufactured at Pallas, Germany.
Zacks Nkosi (Sax), Patrick Jabu Nkosi (Organ and Flute), Anderson Nkosi (Lead Guitar), Given Sabela (Bass Guitar), Kid Lex Hendrix (Sax), Banza Kgasoane (Trumpet), Peter Morake (Drums), Hamilton Nzimande (Musical Director). Original LP issued in South Africa on GRC’s CBS label (LAB 4037) in 1972. Produced for reissue by Chris Albertyn and Matt Temple at Matsuli Music, and Siemon Allen at Flatinternational. Original vinyl sourced from the Flatinternational Archive. Artwork restoration and design by Siemon Allen. Audio restoration, mastering and lacquers by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Manufactured at Pallas, Germany.
MATSULI MUSIC
Matt Temple and Chris Albertyn established Matsuli Music in 2010. Since then the label has released close to 30 albums, with newly commissioned liner notes, archival photography, and remastered audio from the best available sources. In addition to historic recordings from the late 1960s and 1970s Matsuli also explores future classics from contemporary artists such as Derek Gripper, The Brother Moves On and the Kyle Shepherd Trio.
Matt Temple and Chris Albertyn established Matsuli Music in 2010. Since then the label has released close to 30 albums, with newly commissioned liner notes, archival photography, and remastered audio from the best available sources. In addition to historic recordings from the late 1960s and 1970s Matsuli also explores future classics from contemporary artists such as Derek Gripper, The Brother Moves On and the Kyle Shepherd Trio.
Black Soul is available on vinyl and all digital platforms from 7 March. Vinyl direct from matsulimusic.bandcamp.com and distributed globally by Honest Jons Records. South African distribution by Matsuli Music.
No comments:
Post a Comment