Malompo Jazz

Description

Formed in the Mamelodi area near Pretoria in South Africa, the group started under the name Malombo Jazz Men with Julian Bahula on malombo drums, Abbey Cindi on flute, and Philip Tabane on guitar. Merging traditional and improvised rhythms with jazz, Malombo became one of the first South African groups to fully connect jazz with African traditions.
Despite his undeniable genius, Tabane became erratic on tour and Bahula brought in another talent based in Mamelodi, guitarist Lucas "Lucky" Ranku, renaming the group Malombo Jazz Makers. The group played in stadiums and festivals and was quickly signed to Gallo. Recording in a studio in Pretoria, the trio made their debut with the album "Malompo Jazz" in 1966, showcasing the simple and spacious beauty of the Malombo sound and Abbey Cindi's compositions, with Hilda Tloubatla of Mahotella Queens as guest vocalist. The album "Malombo Jazz Makers Vol. 2" was recorded a year later, continuing the earthy flow of Malombo's music. Both albums have since been recognized as unique landmarks of South African jazz. In addition to the complete original artwork, the albums feature a new interview with Julian Bahula.