Ojoyo Plays Safrojazz
Sunnyside, 2021
8/10
Listen to Ojoyo Plays Safrojazz
The saxophonist and penny whistle extraordinaire Morris Goldberg started the Ojoyo project in 1996, where he embraces his South African heritage and meshes it with his adoration for melodic jazz. Ojoyo Plays Safrojazz, which was originally released in 1996, feature two overlapping groups, as Goldberg and company deliver plenty of grooves and solos across the 9 originals.
“Station Road Strut” starts the listen with a bright and melodic approach as Goldberg’s flowing saxophone and Cyro Baptista’s fluent percussion complement Dan Carillo’s spirited guitar work, and “Forward Motion” follows with a dance friendly spirit where Chris Botti’s lively trumpet and Anton Fig’s strong drumming interact playfully amid much warmth.
“Madagascar” resides in the middle and emits much beauty alongside Bakithi Kumalo’s strategic bass and Tony Cedras’ well timed keys as Botti’s trumpet mesmerizes in the cinematic atmosphere, while “Dolphin Jive” moves swiftly with a festive flavor that benefits from quick drumming and bouncy brass.
The final two tracks bring some line up changes, as John Guth’s intricate guitar and Diego Urcola’s glowing trumpet don’t disappoint in the hard swing setting of “Rockwela”, and “Sophiatown Society” exits the listen with Goldberg’s meticulous sax playing front and center on the busy, rhythmic finish.
Goldberg made his recording debut way back in 1959, and has worked alongside Hugh Masekela and Harry Belafonte, among many others. This reissue has been remastered, and the superior sound enhances the instruments as the recording never sounds dated, and actually seems ahead of its time considering these songs are 25 years old. If you missed Ojoyo Plays Safrojazz the first time around, it’s preserved in fine form here, and remains a classic piece of cultured jazz history.
Travels well with: Reza Khan- Imaginary Road; Gabor Lesko- Earthway