Hugh Masekela’s “Hope,” a live album recorded in the 1990s, is a triumph in the realm of world music and jazz. It’s an essential audiophile recording, celebrated for its vibrant live performance energy, exceptional recording quality, and Masekela’s distinctive trumpet sound.
Here’s a detailed audiophile review of each track, focusing on the recording quality and sonic characteristics:
Abangoma (The Healers)
Recording Quality:
The album opens with a lively, rhythmic energy. The recording captures the depth and detail of the percussion ensemble, while Masekela’s trumpet soars above with clarity and brightness.
Highlights:
The interplay between the percussion and the brass is masterfully recorded, offering a spacious and immersive soundstage.
Uptownship
Recording Quality:
A blend of jazz and South African township rhythms, this track is vibrant and dynamic. The recording’s balance between the rhythm section and Masekela’s horn is impeccable.
Highlights:
Masekela’s flugelhorn solo is a standout, rendered with a warm, emotive tone that captures the spirit of the track.
Mandela (Bring Him Back Home!)
Recording Quality:
A joyous, celebratory song, the recording captures the lively ensemble with great energy and detail. The vocals and the brass section shine through with clarity.
Highlights:
The chorus is infectious, and the recording captures the audience’s involvement, adding to the live feel.
Grazing in the Grass
Recording Quality:
A famous Masekela track, the live version is fresh and crisp. The recording quality allows for each instrument, from the piano to the saxophone, to be distinctly heard.
Highlights:
The iconic cowbell rhythm is crisp and central, with Masekela’s improvisations bringing a delightful spontaneity.
Lady
Recording Quality:
A cover of Fela Kuti’s classic, this version is vibrant and pulsating. The recording captures the rich textures of the arrangement, with the brass and percussion particularly prominent.
Highlights:
The energy of the performance is palpable, with the saxophone and trumpet solos demonstrating excellent dynamic range and expressiveness.
Until When
Recording Quality:
A slower, more introspective track. The recording quality highlights the emotional depth of the performance, with a focus on Masekela’s soulful trumpet and the gentle piano accompaniment.
Highlights:
The intimacy of Masekela’s playing is front and center, offering a poignant listening experience.
Languta
Recording Quality:
This track returns to an upbeat tempo, with a rhythmically complex arrangement. The recording captures the intricate interplay of the instruments, showcasing the band’s tight performance.
Highlights:
The trumpet and saxophone solos are lively and well-defined against the rhythmic backdrop.
Nomali
Recording Quality:
A rich and layered track, “Nomali” is captured with a clarity that allows each element of the ensemble to shine, from the percussion to the brass.
Highlights:
The depth and resonance of the bass are particularly noteworthy, providing a solid foundation for the melody.
Marketplace
Recording Quality:
A bustling, energetic track that conveys the vibrancy of a marketplace. The live recording effectively captures the dynamism and spontaneity of the performance.
Highlights:
The interplay between Masekela’s trumpet and the African percussion is a highlight, showcasing the fusion of jazz and traditional African music.
Ntyilo Ntyilo (The Love Bird)
Recording Quality:
Closing the album, this track is a gentler, more melodic piece. The recording is intimate and detailed, highlighting the subtleties of the vocal and instrumental performances.
Highlights:
Masekela’s flugelhorn is tender and expressive, beautifully complementing the vocal harmonies.
Overall Assessment
“Hugh Masekela - Hope” is a superb example of live recording done right. The album offers a rich tapestry of sounds, from the vibrant rhythms of South African jazz to the soulful melodies of Masekela’s trumpet. The recording quality is outstanding, capturing the energy of the live performance and the nuances of the individual instruments with clarity and depth. For audiophiles, this album is not just a listening pleasure but also a testament to the power of live music, masterfully captured. It’s a vibrant, dynamic experience that showcases the brilliance of Hugh Masekela and his band.