 Hugh Masekela Representing the genre "International artists aiming for Top 40 American crossover" is this 1970 gem from Hugh Masekela. Although Hugh had already hit #1 with "Grazing in the Grass," he apparently felt compelled to do the contemporary cover song thing, opening the album with "You Keep Me Hanging On" followed by The Beatles' "I Will." The ending of the latter almost sinks the album immediately with a tragically poor choice of tempo and some missed notes. Then, strangely, track three picks up the ball and runs with it. The remainder of the album is excellent, sticking to Hugh's more traditional approach to African pop. Reconstruction is exactly what this album needs, in fact: reconstruction of the track listing! Those pop tunes should have been buried on Side 2, if not removed entirely. Further listenings excuse the flaws and make for an enjoyable (but hardly essential) CD. Fans of Willie Bobo will enjoy it, as will the African in anyone. Wait, that sounded way more offensive than it was supposed to.
Review by Tootsie Hedges |