Description
#kirklightsey&rudolphjohnson #vinyl #vinylrecords
Outernational Sounds unveils the reissue of a long-lost gem in the realm of international jazz. Habiba, recorded in 1974, was only released in South Africa and has been out of print ever since. However, this spiritual and boundary-pushing album by pianist Kirk Lightsey and saxophonist Rudolph Johnson is finally reaching a wider audience, shedding light on the rich heritage of South African jazz. While the spotlight often falls on the overlooked local talent, Habiba stands out as a remarkable jazz session featuring American musicians who ventured into apartheid South Africa. It is a rare find, considering that respected Black musicians seldom had the opportunity to visit the country during the darkest years of segregation.
The story behind Habiba begins with Lovelace Watkins, a crooner who gained popularity in the UK and southern Africa during the 1970s. Watkins brought together a jazz big band, including the talented Lightsey and Johnson, for a tour of South Africa. During their downtime, the members of Watkins’ group independently recorded three albums, two of which were released under the name Mallory-Hall Band on the IRC label. The third, Habiba, was a standout masterpiece that found its home on Gallo, a renowned record label. This album showcases the raw and impassioned performances of Lightsey and Johnson, complemented by the masterful skills of bassist Monk Montgomery, trombonist Al Hall Jnr., and musical director Marshall Royal. Habiba takes listeners on a journey through post-Coltrane spiritual modernism, from the cerebral intensity of the title track to the irresistible groove of “There It Is” and the captivating allure of “Fresh Air.” For years, this sought-after jazz LP has been a collector’s dream, but now, thanks to Outernational Sounds’ fully licensed reissue, it can finally take its rightful place in the annals of spiritualized modernist jazz.
