Ultimate Collection, The - Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Advantages: Shows us what we are missing musically - superb music at all times
Disadvantages: none to be found

...Ladysmith Black Mambazo - ‘ The Ultimate Collection ‘. Do I hear you say ‘say who ,never heard of them !’ ? I say you must have heard of them , so here’s three clues : 1) Paul Simon ( Gracelands album ) 2) Heinz Soup TV adverts 3) Rugby World Cup Theme By now you must have an idea of whom this op is about , so lets be on with it ... Quick Background Thing..... Ladysmith Black Mambazo leteraly came from a dream by one Joseph Shabalala . From this vision in which children sang and danced , he gathered some friends / family , and formed the group . The time of this forming was early 1960’s . The place : Africa . Joseph is a ZULU , and the group is part of the time honoured Zulu singing tradition of Isicathamiya ( literal meaning : to walk or step on one’s toes lightly ) , whose roots go back to the early years... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beautiful a cappella, strong voices.
Disadvantages: Lanuage may be a bit of a barrier.

...Most of you will know Ladysmith Black Mambazo from the record-breaking Graceland album by Paul Simon, the 'Heinz Baked Beans' advert that did the BBC circuit about a year ago, and the 'Landrover Discovery' advert that was aired about six months ago. If you are still unsure what I am referring to, it is the sound of fifteen male voices singing a cappella in Zulu, and sometimes in English. I know that it may be difficult to be tempted to buy an album that is largely sung in a language that defies understanding, because admittedly, not an awful lot of people in the UK speak or understand Zulu. But don't allow that to put you off. These gentlemen have the unique talent of being able to sing, and very beautifully too, completely unaccompanied by musical instruments, and with such goose-pimply harmonising that the sounds will conjure... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Varied introduction to Country's greatest lady
Disadvantages: Like many Dolly anthologies it concentrates on her own writing and so makes unforgiveable omissions

...with many contempory artists and there are some stellar partnerships featured here. Yes, 'Islands in the Stream' - recently voted Country's greatest duet by the viewers of CMT is absent but, in my opinion, it's not her greatest duet. Ladysmith Black Mambazo complement the raw emotion of her voice far better than Kenny Rodgers and the track she cut with them 'Peace Train' is featured here. Interestingly, it was co-written by Cat Stevens. Other tracks feature Alison Krauss, with whom Dolly has worked frequently over the past few years although her track with Norah Jones 'Creepin In' is probably better known. (I am not keen and quite glad it didn't make it here). My only reservation is that I can't accept this as the definitive collection. For me, no collection could be complete without 'Potential New Boyfriend' - but then I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful