New York-based Frederiksberg Records has recently reissued officially for the first time the highly-obscure 1975 self-titled debut album by the South African jazz ensemble Roots, led by master saxophonist and one of the greatest musicians to ever come out of Johannesburg, Barney Rachabane.

Produced by Almon Memela and originally released on the Highway Soul label, this absolutely brilliant recording nicely blends together township soul, Afro-jazz, spiritual melodies, and mellow funk grooves. The album truly captures the essence of the early 1970s South African jazz sound that would eventually help open the door for groundbreaking jazz fusion groups like Pacific Express and Spirits Rejoice.

Also featured on the recording is notable trumpeter Dennis Mpale and fellow saxophonist Duke Makasi, as well as Sipho Gumede on bass, Jabu Nkosi on keys, and Peter Morake on drums.

The short-lived band did end up recording another session titled Deeper Roots before disbanding. Rachabane’s career ended up taking off in the 1980s through his participation in Paul Simon’s Graceland album in 1986. Simon welcomed news that the Roots album was being reissued and remarked that “Barney Rachabane is one of the most soulful saxophone players in the world.”

This limited-edition well-crafted reissue also comes with booklet with detailed liner notes.

Overall, this is an incredible recording from start to finish, and ultimately has to be up there with any South African jazz album ever released. With copies of this record selling fast, I highly recommend picking up a copy as soon as possible.

Roots — ‘s/t’
(Originally released: 1975 / Highway Soul)
(Reissued: 2021 / Frederiksberg Records)

1. Jabu
2. Roots
3. School Girl
4. Emakhaya
5. Poor Mother
6. Barney’s Shoes

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• African
• Jazz
• Reissue
• Spiritual Jazz