The Village

Although most of the compositions on this CD are based on traditional Zimbabwean songs, it would be fair to say that this is as much a Scandinavian jazz album as it is an African mbira (thumb piano) record. Monoswezi consists of a Scandinavian jazz trio of saxophone, double bass and drums, augmented by a female vocalist and mbira player from Zimbabawe, and a percussionist/vocalist from Mozambique. Hope Masike is the principal vocalist, interpreter and rearranger of the traditional songs, and exceptional mbira player in the spirit of pioneer female player Stella Chiweshe. However, Monoswezi is not just a backing band for Hope's indisputable talent. It is a fusion with an airy and expressive feel that displays a remarkable balance between two different cultures. Hallvard Godal is the saxophonist who doubles on clarinet, and his prominent but subtle playing is perfectly enhanced by the gentle circular sounds of the thumb piano. Hope's mbira remains delicate and subdued throughout but she allows her voice to range from a whisper to a musical scream. Co-vocalist Calu Tsemane adds a variation by singing in Ronga, his Mozambican mother tongue. I would personally have preferred a little more emphasis on the sax and mbira instrumental interplay – though that's not to suggest that the vocals are in any way inadequate. This is a fine recording and an interesting new variation on the thriving young jazz generation in Scandinavia.