KWELA 60's UK Afro Jazz LP Dudu Pukwana Chris McGregor

$

310

From 196? ( I believe it is 1966, but I can't confirm it; latest would probably be 1967) on the 77 Records label, stock number Afro/101, this is an original UK pressing - NOT a reissue - of the impossible to find "Kwela" LP by Gwigwi's Band. Gwigwi's band consisted of six musicians, four who were native to South Africa and had settled in Lodon in the mid 60's: Gwigwi Mrwebi - alto sax, Dudu Pukwana - alto sax, Chris McGregor - piano, and Ronnie Beer - tenor sax. They were joined by Coleridge Goode on bass and Laurie Allen on drums. McGregor went on to be a giant in the UK prog / jazz world and Allen went on to play drums for both Gong & Robert Wyatt. In addition, Goode and Beer also had stellar careers in the UK jazz scene and Pukwana is a legend in the afro funk/beat scene. The LP was produced by Doug Dobell, who owned the 77 Records label and record store in London at the time. The music itself is Kwela, the popular dance music of South Africa in the 60's. There are 16 songs on the album, all short yet beautiful with each track featuring solos from Pukwana, Mrwebi, or McGregor and sometimes two of the three. This one is definitely a must for any fans chasing down the roots of afro beat, jazz, or funk and should be of interest to fans of the UK jazz and progressive scenes as well. Laminated cover is in excellent condition, showing some very minor handling wear and a black marker scribble on the right hand side of the jacket. There are no splits or tears and colors are vibrant. Vinyl is shiny and clean EX/NM-; there are no scratches or scuffs, but the record does show a few minor paper marks and harilines on either side. Sound quality is strong throughout with some crackle in between tracks and at the beginning of either side. I think this is more a result of the quality of the vinyl used, not condition, but needs to be noted. Anyhow, this is a very nice original of this LP and probably the only copy I will ever come across. Buyer pays $6.50 shipping in the US & Canada, $13 airmail overseas. I accept Paypal, US Postal Money Orders, and well concealed US Dollars. Thanks for looking and good luck!