"Matsuli Music presents soul, spirituality and avant-garde jazz from South African political exile Ndikho Xaba. Its rarity has until now served to obscure both its beauty and its historical significance. Making profound links between the struggle against apartheid and the Black Power movement in the USA Ndikho Xaba and the Natives is arguably the most complete and complex South African jazz LP recorded in the USA. It stands out as a critical document in the history of transatlantic black solidarity and in the jazz culture of South African exiles. This reissue from Matsuli Music brings this collectors’ treasure back into print for the first time since 1971.

Ndikho Xaba and the Natives opens a fluid channel of sonic energy that courses between two liberation struggles and two jazz traditions, making them one. It is a critical statement in the history of transatlantic black solidarity, unifying voices stretching from San Francisco to Johannesburg. There is no other recording or group in which the new jazz spirituality of the late 1960s is so fully blent with an African jazz tradition.

The limited edition vinyl edition is presented with re-mastered sound in a gatefold sleeve containing unseen photographs and concert bills from Ndikho Xaba’s personal archive together with a personal recollection from Plunky Branch and extensive sleeve-notes written by Francis Gooding. The CD version reproduces this new content in a 24 page booklet as well including two additional tracks taken from a hard to find single released by Ndikho Xaba’s band Zulu Lunchbag." - Matsuli Music

Ndikho Xaba - piano, percusion, bullhorn, seaweed horn
Plunky - tenor, soprano sax, flute, percussion
Lon Moshe - vibes, percussion
Duru - congas, percussion
Shabalala - bass
Kieta - drums
Arranged by Ndikho, produced by the Natives
Recorded and edited by Austin McCoy
Art conception by Nomusa Xaba
Original album design by Eddie Horan
Originally released on Trilyte Records
2015 edition produced by Matt Temple and Chris Albertyn of Matsuli Music under license from Ndikho Xaba
Liner notes by Francis Gooding
Recollections by J Plunky Blanch
Audio restoration by Colin at See Why Audio
Vinyl cut by Frank at The Carvery

“The Promised Land” is a presentation of the Postmodern Spiritual concept, a modern day rendering of the freedom song. Re-imagining and reviving the Negro spiritual by incorporating jazz sensibilities with soul and gospel music along with new compositions likened to its predecessor.

Featuring saxophonist Tyrone Birkett whose vivid compositions vary from the funk-driven epic “The Departure” to “The Struggle”, a modern re-creation of a slave’s sorrow song, the heartfelt ballad “Deep River”, impressionistic “Freedom Dreaming” and ending with the haunting “The Promise”. The selections together suggest a revitalizing of the classic “CTI” sound, blending of soulful sophistication, a rich chord palette and a curious usage of form.
The message of the music is translated through the lyrics and melody that can be described as “neo-folk” in its character underpinned at times by modernistic harmonic structure. Presented with a versatile and able cast of musicians, this recording promotes the notion of freedom in word and deed, style and substance.
credits
released 25 March 2014
Tyrone Birkett (saxophones, keyboards); Paula Ralph Birkett (vocals); Gregory Royals (piano, organ); Reggie Young (electric Bass); Jason Patterson (drums)
Except on:
Strength - Pablo Vergara (electric keyboards); Camille Gainer Jones (drums)
The Promise - Pablo Vergara (piano); John Benitez (acoustic Bass); Camille Gainer Jones (drums)

Spoken Word on “The Postmodern Spiritual” by Tyrone Birkett, Performed by Paula Ralph-Birkett
Additional Keyboard and Co-Arranging by Pablo Vergara on “Freedom Dreaming”, “The Struggle”
String Arrangements by Pablo Vergara on “The Struggle”
Guitar on “Motherless Child” – Benny Martinez

Produced by Tyrone Birkett for Araminta Music LLC
Executive Producers – Araminta Music LLC

©℗ 2014 Araminta Music LLC

Recorded and Mixed by Hal Winer at Bicoastal Music Ltd.
Mastered by Tom Durack
Additional Recording at Allertone Music by Adan Perez & Laughing Baby Studios by Tyrone Birkett

Cover Artwork by Janie McGee “Postmodern Spirituals“
CD Design – Shanequa Gay
Photography – Lisa Ramsay

This band has sounds to elevate your mind and set your emotions at ease in an outstanding journey of Spiritual Jazz music. "Faith For My Mind" by SOLAR recorded in 1983 has seen the light of day again thanks to a 2013 re-issue which can be streamed below and purchased here on iTunes. Enjoy "Faith For My Mind" by SOLAR who write songs to place your vision on a positive perspective of life, nature and the universe through music.



About the album:

Faith For My Mind (Path Of Light Records, 1983) is the debut recording Of SOLAR (Source Of Life Arkestral Revelation), and has gone on to become a vinyl collector's classic worldwide. It is considered one of the primary fore-runners of the Neo-Soul movement, bridging the spaces between the music of earlier artists such as Doug and Jean Carne, Lonnie Liston Smith, Pharaoh Sanders to Fifth Dimension, on to EWF, and forward to more contemporary artists such as Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, etc. SOLAR's Faith For My Mind is unique for its seamless assimilation of soul, jazz, reggae, European classical, African rhythmic, and gospel influences. Universal in its appeal, it is spiritual inspiration at the highest level of musical expression.

released 13 February 2013
SOLAR (Source Of Life Arkestral Revelation)

Bio:

SOLAR (Source Of Life Arkestral Revelation) originated in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1980, co-led by Rukiya Imani – piano/lead vocal and Mamaniji Azanyah – bass, and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in 1981. Officially disbanding in late 1984, they regrouped in 1986,1990 and most recently in 2011 SOLAR to perform for charity and signature events.

Kick back and absorb the mellow vibes of music taken from the 20-album deep Black Jazz catalog on "Black Jazz Radio", selected by Brownswood Recordings' Gilles Peterson. The Black Jazz sound provides a feeling of calm like none other, with a mix of traditional Jazz, fusion and spirituality combining to relax the listener and project a positive feeling.

All tracks licensed from Black Jazz, release December 2012.

In 2012, Snow Dog Records presents the re-issued Black Jazz catalog. Visit Undergroundhiphop.com to purchase "Black Jazz Radio" by Gilles Peterson, in addition to separate re-issue albums by Doug Carn, Gene Russell, Walter Bishop Jr. and other Black Jazz Records artists.

The 2012 compilation "Spiritual Jazz Vol. 3" continues Jazzman Records' mission in presenting Europe's rarest spiritual jazz cuts and performances to modern day listeners. The label owner Gerald visits Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio to premier some music from the "Spiritual Jazz 3" album, the forthcoming "That's Why" album within a set of soulful tunes of the 70's.


Listen to Jazzman Gerald Discusses Spiritual Jazz 3 with Gilles Peterson (expires on 15 Sept 2012!)

The calm and meditative sound of spiritual Jazz evokes emotions in a  powerful way through a unique sound of Jazz music which is built upon the belief in a higher power. As each artist invests themselves into delivering their spiritual message through music, each expression is a unique one which carries a different level of emotion you are likely to hear in other forms of music.

From a pure musical standpoint, these songs carry a lot of exciting improvisation and fusion of Jazz music with variation in the expression depending on which artist you are listening to. Artists such as Doug Carn, are known for a soulful sound of spiritual Jazz with great vocal arrangements while other artists are based their music solely on instrumental compositions. This special radio episode by The Doctrine compiles many of the greatest works of this genre across a wide spectrum of artists into one 12 hour presentation.








Broadcast on February 12th 2012 http://spaceinvaderradio.com/
[12hrs:03mins] Spiritual Jazz.


Tracklisting:

Roy Campbell/Joe McPhee Music is the healing Force
Fred Stone Theme from Laurence of Arabia
Fred Stone Elissa
Bob Thiele lament for John Coltrane
Bob Thiele Love Supreme
Dwight Trible In the beginning GOD
Massimo Urbani Quartet Dedication to Albert Ayler
Elvin Jones Love Supreme
Massimo Urbani Quartet Dedication to John Coltrane
Family of Percussion Circulus Aquae
Sunday Palaver Last March
Blackclassical Remixes Sarah Webster Fabio
1. My Own Thing
2. Echo of Rain
3. Crossfire
4. I would be for you Rain
Cheikh Tidiane Fall African Spiritual Soldier
Cheikh Tidiane Fall African Ancestrial Piece
Sarah Webster Fabio Turn from Love
Sun Ra Antique Blacks
Soloman Iria: Prayer
David S Ware Theme from the Stargazers
Karmu Daahoud: Deep River In Her Voice
Kahn Jamal Drum dance to the Motherloade
Mor Thaim Return of the Fisher King
Pyramids Anomawa
Pyramids Birth speed and merging
Pyramids Lalibela suite
Pyramids Speed
Pyramids King of Kings
Pyramids Indigo
Pyramids Ya ke ya Ke
Pyramids Land of the eternal nile
Herbie Hancock / Don Cherry / Mtume Kawaida
Pyramids Queen of Spirits
Brother Ah Sweet Illumination
JJ Clayton Fragments
Jef Gilson Malagasy
Sam Rivers Topaz
Edward Vesala Call of the Sea
Oracy The Weight don't make things no lighter
Warren Smith Echora
Richard Abrahams Degrees and levels of light
Sun Ra Mayan Temples
Amir Bakra I love Music
Amir Bakra Black Mass Excerpt
Don Rendell Space walk
Warren Smith Ann of Nizgh
Infinate Sound Spain
Infinate Sound Ocean
Babatunde Lee Lion's walk
Infinate Sound Ocean (Reprise)
Griot Galaxy Necrophillia
Griot Galaxy After the Dream
Griot Galaxy Dragons
Dizzy Reece Nirvana
Dizzy Reece Possession
Dizzy Reece Crisis
Carlos Garnett Black Nile
Carlos Garnett Dawid
Griot Galaxy Khamti Noblia
Two Banks of Four One Day
Cheikh Tidiane Fall Few Maka Black Snow
Terumassa Hino / Mal Waldrom Reminiscence suite
Build an Ark Nature
Roy Brooks and the Artistic Truth Black Survival
Edward Vesala Wind
Milton Marsh Everlasting
Organic Music Society Brazilian Ceremonial Hymn
Muhal Richard Abrams How are you?
Don Cherry Relativity suite part 1
Organic Music Society Manuscha Raga Kamboji
John Coltrane Welcome
John Coltrane Om
Karmu Daåhoud Poem for our Majestic Ancestors
Les Oubliés de Jazz Ensemble Nigger/UR/AH Musician
Nobuo Hara Sharps and Flats Sohran Bushi
Babs Robert Love Planet Extra Pol Action Ice Cream 70
Charles Tolliver's Music Inc Ruthies Heart
Dinamitri Jazz Folklore Kongo Bells
Amiri Baraka There really was an Africa Poem
Masahiko Togashi The Beginning
John Coltrane Dearly Beloved
Dave Lee Jr Spirit Voices
Eddie Gale It must be you
Bruce Johnson Rainstorm/Calm/Peace
Donald Alexander Strachan and The Freedom Ensemble Song for Searching
Cozzi Anatz Hortus
Philip Cohran and the Artistic Heritage Ensemble: Black Beauty
Azar Lawrence: The Beautiful and Omnipresence of Love
Sun Ra: When There is No Sun (horo)
Roland Kirk: Spirits up Above
Doug Hammond: Dat'n
Imamu Amiri Baraka: Chant
Pharoah Sanders: Red, Black & Green
Alice Coltrane: Universal Consciousness
Ornette Coleman: Trouble in the East pt 1
Pharoah Sanders: Creator Has a Master Plan
Ornette Coleman: Trouble in the East
Don Moye: Black paradlisia
Michael White: Preytude
Marion Brown: Karintha (Poem from Cane)
Black Artist's Group: Sweet Street Song
Alice Coltrane: Galaxy Around Satchidananda
Sun Ra: When there is no sun (live)
Emil Richards: Journey To Bliss Part 3
Alice Coltrane: A Love Supreme
Albert Ayler: Change Has Come
Marion Brown: Karintha Part 2
Pharoah Sanders: To John
John Coltrane: A Love Supreme, Pt. 1 Acknowledgment
John Coltrane: A Love Supreme, Pt. 4 Psalm
Roach Om: A Poem for lost Souls
John Tchichai: Afrodisiaca
Last Poets: Invocation
Pheeroan Ak Laff: Michelle Del
Marion Brown: Flute Song
Lightmen: Free as you wanna be
Joe McPhee: Scorpio's Dance
Hannibal: Sunrise Forest
Hamiet Bluiett: Ayana Nneke
Sonny Murray: Suns of Africa Pt ii
Khan Jamal: Pure Energy
William Norwood Look At Teyonda
Eddie Gale The Coming Of Gwilu
Eddie Gale Song of Will
Eddie Gale Understanding
Eddie Gale Fulton Street
Eddie Gale Walk with Thee
Eddie Gale The Gleeker
Eddie Gale Look At Teyonda
Eddie Gale The Rain
Piano Choir: Almoravids
Jayne Cortez: I am New York City
Oneness of Ju-Ju: Introduction
Gill Scott Heron: Peace Go with you Brother
George Russell: Events iv
Earth Wind and Fire: Energy
Muriel Winston: Song for Daddy
Build an Ark: Key to the Universe
Cheikh Tidiane Fall Few Maka: Diom Futa
Akira Miyazawa: Bull Trout
Brother Ah Sound Awareness: Beyond Yourself
Heath Brothers: Smilin’ Billy Suite
Heath Brothers: Maimouna
Sarah Webster Fabio: I Would Be for You Rain
Cecil McBee: A Feeling
Cecil McBee: Voice of the 7th Angel
Clifford Jordan 872
Ensemble Al-Salaam Music Is Nothing But A Prayer
The Sojourner Ensemble Al-Salaam
John Betsch Ra
George Russell Part ii Events
Stanley Cowell Lullabye
Pharaoh Sanders Prince of Peace
Brother Ah Love Piece
The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe Attica
Shamek Farrah/Sonelius Smith The World of Children
The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe two songs for a boy named Mark
Haki R. Madhubuti Medasi: Pyramids to projects
Letta Mbulu Sunrise
Southern Freedom Arkestra Love is where the spirit Lies
Don Cherry Malukans
Watts Prophets My People ill stop callin you Nigger
Don Cherry Daisy McKee
Don Cherry & Eternal Orchestra / Penderecki Actions
Stanley Crouch Aint No Ambulances For No Nigguhs Tonight
Don Ellis Mirror Pond Of Stars
Lester Bowie Amina
Marc Levin Twilight Dance
Nathan Davis Poem For Martin Luther King
Dave Lee Jr The Freedom Bells
Roy Campbell Pyramid Trio Imhotep
Barma Village Poet Blackman My Brother
Mombassa Kenia
Mombassa Holz
Barma Village Poet Social Narcotics
Art Blakey Elephant Walk
Horace Silver Message From Kenya
M'Boom! Re-percussion
Mike Knock Underground
Coalition Kenya's horizon
Hannibal Revelation
Airto Encontro No Bar
Art Ensemble of Chicago Certain Blacks