Outernational Sounds reissues two obscure 1974 South African sessions by The Mallory Hall Band

DIGGIN' IN

Outernational Sounds reissues two obscure 1974 South African sessions by The Mallory Hall Band

London-based Outernational Sounds has recently reissued, for the first time outside of South Africa, two superb 1974 Johannesburg sessions Song Of Soweto and The Last Special from an all-star U.S. touring band led by both guitarist Charles Mallory and trombonist Al Hall Jr., known simply as the The Mallory Hall Band.

Recorded during the apartheid at Johannesburg’s Video Sounds Studios, these previously lost sessions ultimately came together when members of Detroit vocalist Lovelace Watkins’ big band had some downtime between dates during their South African tour. In general, performing in this region at the time was a controversial choice, however the all black group wanted to use this as an opportunity to hopefully begin to breakdown racial barriers. Joining Mallory and Hall on these recordings were a stellar 12-piece group that included some heavyweight players including legendary pianist Kirk Lightsey (who also recorded his Habiba masterpiece during this time), and Black Jazz recording artist Rudolph Johnson.

Musically, both albums are incredible, featuring a nice blend of funky soul jazz, Latin rhythms, and South Africa township grooves. Fully licensed from Gallo Records and pressed at Pallas in Germany from Gallo’s original masters, they feature new sleeve notes from Francis Gooding (The Wire) based on interviews with Hall and Lightsey.

Overall, it’s great to see these two essential South African jazz recordings unearthed and finally made available to global audiences. Definitely up there with some of the best recordings to be reissued in 2021!