The Jazz Epistles’ Verse 1 is “a true hard bop session, swinging and compelling, coming out of South Africa at a time when black artists weren’t releasing any records, let alone forward-thinking modern jazz albums.”
The Jazz Epistles were South Africa’s first significant (though brief) bebop ensemble, influenced by Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.
Wikipedia
“This tale hasn’t been shared because it’s a secret history,” explains ethnomusicologist Dr. Sazi Dlamini of the University of Kwazulu-Natal. “It’s ready to be told. It may be recounted from a variety of perspectives. And it would require a lot of research and care to be able to explain it completely.” NPR
The Jazz Epistles are:
- piano: Dollar Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim)
- alto sax, clarinet: Kippie Moeketsi
- trombone: Jonas Gwangwa
- trumpet: Hugh Masekela
- bass: Johnny Gertze
- drums: Makaya Ntshoko
