Wise and Waiting

Wise and Waiting is Bristol-based trombonist Raph Clarkson’s latest exploration into the vibrant sounds of South African jazz. Following recent successes with his 15-piece orchestra, Dissolute Society, this album, released with Ubuntu and ECN music is Clarkson’s first release with his new group, Equal Spirits. Excelling as a bandleader and arranger, Clarkson here brings together a diverse ensemble of 24 musicians hailing from the UK and South Africa. The South African musicians feature most prominently, with stellar contributions from vocalists Yonela Mnana, Nosihe Zulu and NoZaka, alongside tasteful accompaniment from drummer Siphiwe Shiburi. Nigerian-born Johannesburg-based bassist Amaeshi Ikechi also deserves highlighting.

South African jazz has a distinctive vibrancy, and this album is infused with the percussive energy and joyful harmonies pioneered by legends of the genre such as Abdullah Ibrahim and Dudu Pukwana. Equal Spirits decorate this with a few modern touches, including electronic sampling by Elliot Galvin. Spoken word poetry takes the spotlight on ‘Closing’ and ‘Phezulu, Ezulwini’, and a myriad of languages – Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Yoruba, Arabic and English – all resoundingly echo the political themes of anti-apartheid resistance and anti-colonialism. Vocal choruses and strings emerge during the second half of Wise and Waiting and add a textural expansiveness to the finale, ‘Travail’. Equal Spirits have produced a wonderful celebration of the interconnected musical heritage of Europe, America and South Africa.