The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #169837   Message #4106237
Posted By: Jerry Rasmussen
16-May-21 - 11:10 AM
Thread Name: A living Tradition Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Subject: A living Tradition Ladysmith Black Mombz
Africa knows traditional music. They don't have to argue about what is traditional music. Tradition lives on. It is not a particular song of the past, or a recording. It lives and breathes in the people. We need to carry on that Spirit. Folk music isn't a relic to be curated and discussed. It is something within us that is not limited by time or old songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TTVfLuWgd8

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms - Ladysmith Black Mombazo
Many years ago, when there sill were record stores, I was browsing through l.p.'s when this song flooded the store with joyful noise. I was completely absorbed in the music and the rhythms. I stopped what I was doing and walked up to the counter and said, "I'd like a copy of that record, whatever it is." I had no idea who the group was, but I knew I had to have the album. Listening to this song this morning, I am swept away, once again.
I had the great joy of hearing Ladysmith Black Mombazo in concert twice, and once with Paul Simon.