Anticipation builds as the release date approaches for our second duo of Blue Notes reissues – Blue Notes For Mongezi and Blue Notes For Johnny – following the recent release of Blue Notes – Legacy Live In South Afrika 1964 and Blue Notes In Concert in April.
The two ‘tribute’ albums are first and foremost outpourings of grief and loss from the surviving band members following the tragic early demise of their brothers-in-arms, first Mongezi and 11 years later Mbizo. Yet the awful circumstances of the creation of the two ‘tributes’ led to a particular level of emotion that yielded music-making of the very highest order.
Absolutely unique and essential items both, the expanded CD editions of Blue Notes For Mongezi and Blue Notes For Johnny are released as individual stand alone titles on 10th June. Available on CD from your local record shop, or on CD / Digital from Bandcamp through the Shop link above.
The reissues have been receiving praise in the press. See this review by Pete Margasak @pmarg for his ever excellent column in The Quietus of the Blue Note reissues. As he says, “Don’t sleep on this history.” And see also this great article by Chris May in All About Jazz. “The Blue Notes’ fiery kwela-flavoured jazz lit up the British scene. But its upbeat vibe commingled with sadness about separation from family, friends and roots back in South Africa…”
Ogun Recordings 