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| Last night trimmed to five, these African drum masters began
their London debut week with Alan Skidmore's quintet. Alan delivered
lyrical rapid-fire solos like a latter-day Coltrane while the five percussionists
drove things along like two-and-a-half Elvin Joneses. Savouring these elastic beats were Alan's regular rhythm section, while up front Alan and German trumpeter Ingolf Burkhardt harmonised tuneful Skidmore originals with a township feel, Their best moments came on 'Sobabini' (Together) when Ubizo's voices rose beneath their solos like Ladysmith Black Mambazo with muscles. A treat! Jack Massarik, Evening Standard |
| This recording should be cherished for ever this superb stuff is really in a class by itself. Amazon.co.uk |
| Skidmore’s own tenor sax playing is always full of energy and his forceful group was augmented by a skilful and inventive young German trumpet player Ingolf Burkhardt. The chanting, townships-influenced ‘Sweet SA’ brought a typical Skidmore solo of storming runs, hollow warbles and stark cries and pianist Steve Melling took a shrewd course in playing the first of several excellent solos mainly chordally, thus all but turning himself into another highly contrasting percussionist. John Fordham, The Guardian |
| "The result is irresistible. As the drummers create a great
swirling sea of rhythm, Skidmore soars above it." Jazz UK "In Amampondo he has found a near perfect foil for both his sinewy, turbulent tenor work and his more reflective side." BBC Music Magazine "Skidmore's tenor saxophone blends wonderfully with the shifting rhythms
of South Africa's leading percussion group. The care which went into creating
this intricate and absorbing music shows that it cannot be the result of
a mere passing encounter." The Observer |