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  | IVAN MAZUZE ~ UBUNTU
LOSEN 139 (Barcode: 7090025831393) ~ NORWAY ~ Smooth Jazz
Recorded: 2014 - 2015 Released: 2015
This is the third album by Mozambique born and resident in Norway saxophonist Ivan MazuzeFind albums by this artist, recorded with a quintet which also includes guitarist Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist, pianists Michael BlochFind albums by this artist or Sifiso MakalistaFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter NdlalaFind albums by this artist and drummer Frank PacoFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original tunes, ten of which were composed by Mazuze and two were co-composed by him and Bloch.
The music, although obviously influenced by African, Caribbean and other World Music influences, is mostly Smooth Jazz oriented, with slick saxophone licks dominating the proceedings. The ethnic ingredients are mostly felt in the rhythmic layer of the music, and they are very "well behaved" if not to say tamed and become a flavor rather than the essence. As a result the music has mostly an entertaining value.
Mazuze has a beautiful tone, especially on the soprano saxophone, and plays some nice flute solos. The accompanying musicians are all professionals; Young plays a few nice solos, but those do not step outside of the overall formula of this album, Ndlala has a great groove feel and the other just do what is expected of them.
There is of course nothing wrong with staying on the easy side of the Jazz idiom and many listeners enjoy such music immensely, but it is definitely not for the core of Jazz connoisseurs. Overall this is a well played Smooth Jazz album with nice tunes which sounds best while driving a fast car on a California highway…
| | Updated: 17/02/2016Posted: 17/02/2016 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
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