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The Americanization of Ooga Booga

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

The Americanization of Ooga Booga · This live album was recorded in November 1965 at the nightclub The Village Gate in New York and released in June 1966 on MGM. It mixes American jazz themes with traditional South African influences. The president of MGM thought Hugh Masekela's records too African for American taste, after which the trumpeter moved to Chisa and Blue Thumb.

AllMusic hears the influence of Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard, and John Coltrane as an inspiration in Myxolydia. Masekela called the core of the sound township bop: short trumpet bursts that sometimes lean towards microtonality. The repertoire is largely South African, with two songs by his wife at the time, Miriam Makeba. The opener Bajabula Bonke appeared here on record for the first time.

Listening

Listening tip. In Bajabula Bonke (Healing Song), listen to how the track begins quietly and softly and gradually builds.

Track list

  1. 1Introduction0:42Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Bajabula Bonke (Healing Song)7:24Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Dzinorabiro (The Good Old Days)6:38Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Unhlanhla (Lucky Boy)5:40Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Cantelope Island5:13Apple Music ↗
  6. 6U-Dwi (Song For My Mother)5:24Apple Music ↗
  7. 7Masquenada8:00Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Abangoma (Song Of Praise)4:32Apple Music ↗
  9. 9Myxolydia6:18Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs