In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of that milestone, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is releasing ´Long Walk.´ The 12-song set features new recordings of some of the group´s best known works, performed with an impressive cast of guests.
Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan, Taj Mahal, Emmylou Harris, and Melissa Etheridge are just a few of the stars that shine here. They manage to 
complement LBM without ever getting in the way of the group´s elegant harmonies and distinctive song styling.
Indeed, several of the collaborators take a very low-key role, notably McLachlan, who blends into the deeply touching and reverent remake of ´Homeless,´ one of the songs the group first recorded with Simon on ´Graceland.´
Not all the guests are so subtle. Etheridge makes a dynamic contribution to another ´Graceland´ track, ´Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.´
Harris offers a fascinating vocal counterpoint to the group in a gospel blend of ´Amazing Grace´ and ´Nearer My God to Thee.´
And gritty bluesman Mahal´s electric guitar and raspy vocal combine to help light a fire under ´Mbube,´ the traditional Zulu tune that American audiences will likely recognize as either ´Wimoweh´ or ´The Lion Sleeps Tonight.´
The set´s most intriguing track is ´Shosholoza,´ which spotlights LBM´s intricate harmonies and features contributions by several of South Africa´s best known musicians.
http://www.pennlive.com/
|