by Thom Jurek
This pairing of Ladysmith Black Mambazo with the strings of the English Chamber Orchestra (conducted by composer Ralf Gothoni) is a seamless collaboration that has the sweeping, gentle folk melodies of the townships at its heart. Some of the songs here originate from that tradition, while others, such as Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus, and Schubert's Sanctus, are revised and reshaped according to the sweetness inherent in South African vocal music. Also included are a deeply moving reading of &Amazing Grace& and many Joseph Shabalala songs, including &Homeless,& written with Paul Simon. This is a stirring, quiet, dignified album that offers proof that there's plenty of magic left in the Ladysmith Black Mambazo trick bag.