NY’s Frederiksberg Records reissues rare album by South African fusion group Spirits Rejoice
New York’s superb Frederiksberg Records has recently reissued the highly obscure 1978 self-titled album from the pioneering South African-based jazz-fusion group, Spirits Rejoice.
Released as a follow-up to the group’s slightly more known 1977 debut, African Spaces (which was also reissued by Matsuli Music), this incredible 8-track recording spans a wide array of sounds and sub-genres, from jazz-fusion and funk, to township grooves, Latin rhythms, folk, and soul. With a lineup hailing from far flung regions of South Africa, it’s not surprising that the music was so expansive. Notably, standout tracks “Woza Uzo Kudanisa Nathi” and “Papa’s Funk” are prime selections for the jazz dancefloor, and should receive plenty of play throughout the upcoming summer Festival circuits.
This well-crafted official reissue release was remastered from the original tapes by Greg Reierson, and includes full-sized 4-page booklet with insights about the group and their influence on the South African jazz scene, written by Calum MacNaughton of Sharp-Flat Records.
Receiving rotational play by notable DJs and radio broadcasters, like Gilles Peterson, Colin Curtis, Kev Beadle, David Patterson and others, this has already become a highly-sought reissue release.
As we celebrate 30 years of South African freedom and the end of apartheid this April 27th, this is a well-timed release, highlighting one the region’s most essential groups of the late 70s.
Spirits Rejoice — ‘Spirits Rejoice!’
(Originally released: 1978 / Jo’Burg)
(Reissue: 2024 / Frederiksberg Records)
- Emakhaya
- Woza Uzo Kudanisa Nathi
- Music Is Our Purpose
- Spirits
- Happy and In Love
- Confusions
- Why All This Time
- Papa’s Funk
