Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
1972
Album Summary
Home Is Where the Music Is is a 1972 jazz and Afrobeat double LP by Hugh Masekela issued by the joint American label Chisa/Blue Thumb Records. The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
WikipediaThis is the jazz album I didn't know I was looking for, but definitely was. Blown away. 1. Love the groove. The trumpet/flugelhorn riff is fun. The sax quality has a Canterbury scene sound, which I'm into. Here's the trumpet solo---what a intro!!! Holy cow I am so into this... Piano solo ugghhgbfffnnn 2. Slowing things way down---lovely cocktail bar/impressionistic style piano to start. Trumpet solo starts to heat up... tasty alto sax solo. The band is so in sync, it just feels incredible. The technical imperfections are part of the magic. 3. Another tasty groove holding us down with the winds blowing strong in the skies. The break before the piano solo stops you cold, and in fact you notice the bass before you realize the piano is even taking it, but it gets going. Could be a stronger climax here though. A minor complaint about a great track. 4. Fun bass line. Quiet and kind of mysterious. This doesn't sound like American jazz---it's just more fun. This song by itself doesn't go anywhere new... Except into a fun solo to start the next track! 5. This has a Mariachi/Super-Mario vibe! Moving into a hard swing. To be honest this isn't my favorite part---it almost sounds like the band is having trouble holding it together. But now we're onto solo piano... And back to impressively high speeds. Really in sync at the end here---still a satisfying close to the weakest track so far. 6. Dreamy dark piano. oOOh mmmhm into a funky funky funk! This track is definitely not disappointing. 7. Drum solos! 8. Sounds like a lazy summer day in Mr. Rogers' neighborhood. I'm into it. The piano solo adds a just a hint of mystery, drums add some edge, open up some new dimensions. I love the unison melody that takes us out. 9. Rhodes piano? Mellow opening into a triumphant wall of horns. back to the mellow groove... Lovely keyboard solo, and now we have a groove going. Very nice. Mmm heatin up. I'm bobbin my noggin. Ready for the trumpet solo when it comes---hits perfectly. I love the topography of this piece. 10. Jungly drum intro with some wanton sax. And vocals! Bantu? Love this as a cap to the album. I assume the vocals are placing the album in South Africa, where Masekela grew up. It's a departure from the rest of the album, but a good one. The final trumpet note leaves you hanging---there is definitely more to come for me: I am going to check out the rest of Masekela's catalog.
Nothing quickens the pulse but then again it's not meant to. By the end you realise that what's seemed like exceptionally good background music has actually occupied the forefront of your mind for an hour and a quarter. Hell of a trick, that.
5/5. Funky and Jazzy, rambles from awesome big band blues to more mellow, wandering piano solos. A new favorite. Big horns, jammy piano and lots of hi hats. Feels like Art Blakey with slightly more blues/rock influence.
What a great album. It's an amazing blend of jazz with african rhythms and instruments. So glad I found this album and this artist!
This is a kick ass jazz album. His connection to Fela Kuti is fascinating as well. Weirdly it reminds me of SimCity 3000 music a bit!
South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, singer and composer who has been described as "the father of South African jazz". Great living room lounging album.
First, double albums are notoriously hard to produce with high levels of quality. There are a handful of 5 star examples ("The Beatles" "London Calling" "1999"). This is a solid 4, and some may say 5, because it changed direction and did something new and important -- the fusion of African and American spiritual/soul into jazz.
This was a fun one to explore. Big fan of jazz and while I love my jazz to be “unstructured” from time to time, there is nothing more satisfying than a properly laid out jazz tune. Enjoyable from start to finish.
Warm, soft jazz perfection-- I can actually feel the waves of calm come over me as I listen to this, it's incredible.
Nice and refreshing album. Not my usual style but I wouldn't mind listening to it while reading or working.
Slick and cool. Not normally my thing (I know little about jazz) but this was an easy and smooth listen. I quite enjoyed Ingoo-Pow-Pow with some vocals. The album had some touching pieces and some uplifting ones. Grab a scotch and let this album play.
Now that's what I call background music. I've been listening to these albums mostly as I do my daily walks, and while this wasn't the best album I've heard so far, it was probably the most enjoyable walk I've had. Energetic but serene, with killer horns, drums and bass, this is exactly what I want to hear out of jazz musicians. You could probably cut a track or two, but at the very least, the ones that feel more like filler make me appreciate the standout deviations more. Key Tracks: Minawa, Maseru, Maesha
This album is exactly what I needed to hear at the time that I did. This is a record that takes you through a journey of emotional and geographic artistry. The instrumentation is not over the top, it’s precisely structured that the artists play to each other and never leave an empty void in their sound (even in times of silence). The accompanying keyboard is such a nice addition and shake-up to the traditional piano jazz sound. This is probably one of my favorite jazz records ever, I never want it to stop. Favorite Song: Inner Crisis Least Favorite: Legitimately don’t have one…
I don't think of myself as a jazz fan... but this site is going to make me one. I don't listen to jazz often and I'm not too familiar with classic records in this genre but so far I've been enjoying most of the jazz records this site is throwing at me. This is another good one.
Super solid jazz/funk/soul record with a touch of Afro-Beat thrown into the mix. Very reminiscent of similar era Crusaders, Mizell brothers, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Headhunters and so forth. As good as anything in this vein from any of those artists and the era in general. You can play this as background music, or you can really dig in and listen to the musicianship. Either way is rewarding. Also check the horns on ‘Inner Crisis’ that Theo Parrish sampled.
Fuck yea, JAZZ BABY! This shit was great. Love to add another jazz album to the list. The whole thing was just smooooth. For me though, I do not remember individual songs that much on a jazz album, but I'll just go with Part Of A Whole as my favorite. 7/8.
Home is where the music is indeed. This album is so much fun. Track after track of masterful Jazz. I’m in love. Thank you Mr. Masekela.
first track is very solid. Yea this is great in the pocket horn playing jazz. oh man this is great atmosphere. yea this thing is great not just good I feel like i am listening to something really special on track nine Maesha
No escribí mi acostumbrado mamotreto. Día ajetreado. Van unas notas: Groove. Me hace sentir como un gangsta en una película de explotación de los 70. Mexaxplotation. Me hace sentir maloso. Como si trabajara de noche. Deep shit. Hermoso. Crepuscular. Mis momentos favoritos son cuando se mezcla el funk y el jazz como ese bajo sucio en Maesha. Mejor track, el cierre. Ingoo-Pow-Pow. Diáspora y madre África al unísono.
another i'd never heard of, and would totally have missed - but holy cow, does this album RIP. there's a lot to love here, but i especially liked the panning of the drums at the very end of the last track. it was the best kind of unnecessary.
First track 5 mics. Second track outstanding chill. Third track groovy. Trumpet solos are tolerable. Didn’t keep more notes on the remaining tracks.
I think this is gonna be my first five star rating that's going to an album I hadn't already heard previously. Such moods and grooves here. Downtempo numbers are absolutely my thing. Uptempo numbers are breezy and enjoyable too.
Wow, was not expecting to listen to Jazz this good. I do like a bit of Jazz but find it's one song at a time when I'm in the mood. But this whole album had me from the start. It did something all good music should do it took me somewhere else. Sucked into my own cerbum via the lug hole and transcended into a planet of jazz. There were so many little hooks and moments in the massively resplentdantly long songs total banger will check this geezer out for sure.
It's another cold Monday morning at the office; but as I sip my tea and put on this album, I'm transported to a place cozy and warm, and my concerns and frustrations with the mundanity of life evaporate as I lose myself in the music.
Não conhecia esse álbum, foi simplesmente sublime. Um álbum experimental para se deliciar.
Fantastic jazz album! What a trumpet player. This album felt pretty heavy for jazz, and I'm all about it.
Wonderful Sunday morning album, listened on a PA system in a tent, while I waited for a poetry festival that I was running the sound for to start. I will need to listen again for more detailed commentary, but as a good friend says 'Eddy Gomez on bass there. He shreds. He sheds so much those turtle boys don't cut him no slack.'
Heard before: no! This was an absolute blast. I cannot believe I hadn't heard this one before - I will 100% be revisiting. Awesome from start to finish - sometimes I can take or leave the slower meandering/meditative tracks (Unhome), but that's mood-dependant. Favourite tracks: Part of a Whole, Big Apple, Blues for Huey, Nomali, Maesha
Love this record. I knew Masekela from Paul Simons Graceland tour but Never heard it before so this one is the first one so far that exposed me to some new music I didn’t know. Always love that. I love the laid back South African grooves. It’s soulful, peaceful laid back music. Great for this crazy heat wave, don’t need to get heated up anymore. This is cool music.
I'm not a massive jazz hound but I can appreciate this. I'm familiar with the artist's name, but can't recall ever having heard his music before. Minawa is really lovely cut. It wouldn't be out of place on Coltrane's magisterial A Love Supreme. I checked out another album of Masekela's, The Promise of a Future, and really enjoyed that one, too. I adore trumpets, and Mr. Masekela has great tone. I'll probably throw this on the Sonos as the background tuneage for dinner with the missus some evening soon. I think she'll dig it.
As I get older and get more into jazz, I appreciate this album in a way I could not have before. It is pretty good.
this was really nice! i dont really know anything about jazz, but i found this great to listen to.
This is a fantastic album. Really great synergy with the band. Super fun and nothing negative to say
Beautiful album. Complex and fun. It is awesome how the trumpet leads the way until the end.
Disco de jazz y afrobeat que se puede dividir en 2. La primera parte me pareció increíble. En general no es de mi predilección y encontrar jazz que me guste y me sorprenda lo disfruto mucho. La segunda parte, más enfocada en los ritmos y percusiones, está bien pero no es nada impresionante y siento que hasta desentona un poco con el resto tan meteórico del disco. Afortunadamente esa segunda parte sólo es una, si acaso dos canciones por lo que este disco en su mayoría es excelente. Gran, gran descubrimiento.
what a fun change of pace. i don’t usually listen to jazz but this is pretty dang good, and will be added to my regular albums.
Never heard of this guy but it was great, had a lot of hard bop elements and catchy grooves which I like
Huh, Jazz! Welch‘ willkommene Abwechslung in dieser populärmusiklastigen Liste. Gefällt mir gut bis sehr gut. 4 Sterne, hart an der Grenze zu 5.
Thought this was great, usual I'm too dumb for jazz caveats I can probably take as read from now on.
I don’t know if it was due to the inauguration and us having a new president, but this album made me feel great, like the sun was shining a little brighter.
I liked this one a lot in some spots and not as much in other spots. I’m not a huge fan of the jazz improv thing where a soloist goes on and on and on and on… But I generally liked it.
Alternates between: Funky, violent, groovy, mournful, cinematic, and bluesy. Like late-era Coltrane + Funk with 70’s instrumentation.
This was a fantastic album. Completely new to me but will be listening again very soon
More instrumental jazz. I enjoyed it, but I couldn't tell the difference between this, Miles Davis, or Thelonius Monk.
Really solid jazz album. Not much more I can say Favorite tracks: “Part of a Whole” and “Maseru”
Nice jazz album (sounds like jazz to me). I can see the influence the album had for the movie Whiplash by Damien Chazelle
Como de jazz conozco prácticamente nada (si acaso sé algo de Davis, Ellington o Armstrong), solamente añadiré que disfruté escuchar este disco y mencionaré mis canciones favoritas. "Minawa" me dio un confort melancólico que necesitaba hoy, de ahí "Unhome", la vertiginosidad de "Inner Crisis" y esa batería del minuto final de "Blues for Huey". El final es festivo, como un gran cierre, me pareció un discazo y quiero creer que es jazz de calidad. Si acaso de repente estoy muy acostumbrado a asociarlo con música de evento formal y eso no me gusta tanto. No tengo mucho más que añadir. 8.5/10
I like this style of post-bop-ish-borrowing-from-the-less-structured-60s-without-going-all-Ornette-Colman-on-us jazz. But, do I have to compare it to the 1001 jazz albums we must listen to before we die? I wouldn't have known it was Hugh Masekela until the last song. But I do like it. It's better than the pop covers he did in the 60s but I think the music he put out later in the decade was more influential (believe I said the same thing about JB). If the 10 point scale wasn't narrowly defeated yesterday I'd give this a solid 7.
Me gustó, sobre todo el solo de batería en Bluess for Huey, pero no tengo mucho que decir en esta ocasión. Supongo que por no saber de teoría musical, lol. En verdad a veces no entiendo este estilo de jazz, me parece sumamente técnico y a la vez como si se equivocaran a media canción y les valiera verga y siguen tocando, pero pues npi donde o cuando. Mood: fumando elegante y pretenciosamente un cigarro hecho por mi mismo en un barcito de Nueva York. Mood: ...
Wish there were a little bit more standout moments but overall was a really engaging listen and can see it being groundbreaking at the time
Like a Dutch prostitute shitting down the back of my neck, as I smoke a cigar and read short stories about medieval torture. The best days of my life.
From the first notes of the first track I knew I’d like it. I’ve listened to music by Hugh Masekela in when he passed away in 2018, don't recall if I listened to this particular album. Probably going to put this into my rotation.
A joy to listen to, fun from start to end. Loved the overt african vibes towards the end too.
Jesus fucking christ, this man can play. Whoever's on the keys is a fucking god. // Favs: Minawa / The Big Apple / Maseru Score: Decent 4
A wonderful album. Very much in the style of Miles Davis Prestige years; Cooking, Working, etc.... I really enjoyed this album and plan to listen to it tomorrow again. 4 🌟
I'm not nearly as knowledgable about jazz as I should be considering I played a decent amount of it in highschool. So I don't have the ability to really compare this to jazz of the era, or much else altogether. But I did really enjoy this album. I'd like to start listening to more jazz, and I would certainly consider Hugh Masekela as an artist to listen to more of as I get further into jazz.
straight ahead jazz. nice and warm mixing style. some interesting instrumentation. big fan of the twang and thunk of the drum tones here. an instant recommendation if you already like this genre.
Pretty good stuff, real nice to chill to, but way too long of an album, especially since there's not a ton of variety going on. Says the guy who likes metal where every song is the same.
An absolutely awesome soul-jazz album. Groovy, a little funky, and a lot of soul all throughout give the record a cool lean against more traditional jazz albums. The music goes a long way in making you feel it, and you can also groove to it effortlessly.
digging it so far. -1 star for being a little too brassy. its funny how easy it is for an all instrumental piece to be my jam. last song is in an african language and is stressful.
really enjoyable, but it didn’t quite hold my attention through the (pretty long) runtime. every instrumentalist on here had some stellar performances. 7/10
“Home is Where the Music Is” by Hugh Masekela (1972) Music lovers may be familiar with ‘African Jazz’ trumpeter Hugh Masekela from his pop hit “Grazing in the Grass” (1968) (which, incidentally, has the most virtuoso cowbell performance ever). Or more internationally engaged listeners may know his anti-apartheid protest song “Soweto Blues”, or his political anthem “Bring Him Back Home” (the “Him” being Nelson Mandela, that is). But on this album, the title “Home is Where the Music Is” reminds us that the South African Hugh Masekela was unable to pursue a career in his home country because of apartheid. In 1960, after the Sharpeville massacre, South African authorities selectively banned “gatherings of ten or more” people in the townships, effectively killing the career of an aspiring jazz musician (illustrating what happens when governments prohibit freedom of assembly in the guise of “public safety”). So Masekela left South Africa and became an international agent of jazz, soul, and social justice. On this record, Masekela successfully resists the temptation to hog the spotlight, thereby revealing the not inconsiderable talents of other members of his jazz ensemble. Pianist Larry Willis is exquisite (the first 2:23 of “Minawa” would make Franz Liszt proud). Drummer Makhaya Ntshoko has innovative rhythms and percussive colorings for every mood (with shining solos on “Blues for Huey”, the end of which contains [almost] the only lyric on the album: “Call an ambulance!” You’ll laugh out loud.) But when Masekela steps up with brass, it’s breathtaking. His pitch-approximating approach to melodies, especially in duet phrases with alto saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, requires some getting used to. But Masekela’s languid vibrato, piercing staccato, double-tonguing, lip bends, trills, mini-slurs and dips are entrancing. What he lacks in range he more than makes up for in mellifluous resonance and flair. “Unhomé” is some of the saddest music you’ll ever hear. Yet “Maseru” grooves, swings, and otherwise romps through jazz progressions that are dazzling. If you’re unfamiliar with jazz, please, please listen to this track for its sheer entertainment value. Hope it hooks ya. The most ‘African’ track is the closing children’s song “Ingoo-Pow-Pow”, delivered with such humorous drama, that I’d love to know what in the world they’re saying to the kids (before playing it for my grandchildren!). The only significant weakness here is that bassist Eddie Gomez seems to be intent on ‘lifting’ the group’s pitch throughout the album. In an ensemble that revels in the “flats”, Gomez seems to be pushing the “sharps”. I hope it’s not just my faulty aging ears. This is good music for all humanity, folks, especially for “gatherings of ten or more”. I don’t give a damn which governments don’t think so. 4/5
Really nice start. Overall beautiful, especially Ninawa. Towards the end more "fanfare" and other music. Doesn't really fit the album.
This was some really great jazz, really pleasant and ACCESSIBLE. I would say anyway. The music felt very lyrical, but didn't feel like it was missing anything
-The piano and horns be groovin' in "Part Of A Whole." The drumming really picks up in some spots, and the trumpet too -"Minawa" sounded like "Love Reign O'er Me" with the rain sounding piano, and then "Charlie Brown" for a second -Generally solid jazz-y stuff. I'll put it on my study playlist
A wonderful album. Very much in the style of Miles Davis Prestige years; Cooking, Working, etc.... I really enjoyed this album and plan to listen to it tomorrow again. 4 🌟
4.0 - Subtly fuses Afrobeat and jazz, leaning much more heavily on the latter. A warm and inviting sound that showcases skilled electric piano, trumpet and drums. Standouts: "Part of a Whole", "Blues for Huey", "Maesha" and "Ingoo Pow-Pow."
Talent everywhere on this album. What a wonderful sound. Hypnotic, life affirming jazz.
I've always wanted to like jazz but never really known where to start. Turns out this was it. I like jazz now.
A cool mix of jazz and afrobeat. Pretty solid arrangements throughout, and Hugh has a great time on the trumpet. I liked this a lot.
If it's possible to divide all Jazz into three categories, "Hot", "Cool", and "What Time Does The Tune Start", as my mom does, then this falls squarely into "Cool"... 😎 A very pleasant listen, and I suspect repeated plays would reveal more and more each time. Fave track - "Minawa" maybe, or "Unhome"...
Like this album and his music now, back in ‘72 when I was a Black Sabbath devotee..NOT!!!…times and tastes change…real fine listening
Very nice jazz album. Not blown away enough to give it 5 stars, but the overall sound of the ensemble is very good and there are some great moments, for example when the funky electric piano kicks in.
Ktebt 4 Saf7at Men 3l Bouheli Mte3 Dostoevsky. Still Sick As A Mofucka. Probably Getting Depressed. I Slept For Like 19 Hours
This album exists in the space between enjoyability and innovation. First of all, the album is very accessible and has a great groove. The bass lines stand out to me the most aside from the trumpet and flugelhorn. This music is infused with a healthy dose of soul making this album a sort of fusion more than straight jazz. This album still features Miles Davis like passages and modal jazz chord changes that appeal to jazz snobs. Overall a great album.
First track is a fire-breathing monster. Wild, yet controlled and soulful - just my favourite kind of jazz. On first listen, the rest of the album was a bit of a come down. Now I've revisited a few times, actually I'm loving almost the whole record. Great compositions, great passionate musicianship, and a few African sounds coming in (though these aren't uncommon in American soul jazz anyway). My only complaint is the final track, which I don't find a satisfying way of rounding off an album that is already 70 minutes long by that point. Overall, highly recommend this. 4.5*
I enjoyed the heck out of this one. Thirty seconds into Parts of a Whole, they had me. I loved the unison trumpets and how the style borrowed a lot from American jazz yet was different from what I would expect in the genre.
I really enjoyed this one… well compared to the jazz album from a few weeks ago. It’s trying to hush mega leak- this jazz thing is alright
I really like the piano playing. I don't listen to jazz a lot but in my opinion this is a good album.
Something of a classic. I have a sneaky suspicion it'll grow on me even more. An unexpected gem.
I always had Hugh Masekela down as an upbeat afro-jazz style artist, but this being one of his earlier albums its interesting to see his roots began in slow jazz. Almost reminicent of Dizzy Gillespie with the focus on the trumpet and interesting motifs. A very enjoyable album, mixing mood and speeds across the entire album.
Album cover doesn't give too much of a clue about what's inside. Some kind of not too crazy jazz maybe? Wait, does he have a trumpet? Ok yeah, definitely expecting something nice and jazzy. Yep track list and song lengths confirm my suspicions. At 1 hour 16 min I hope it's good. Here we go! Yep, nice bright horn driven jazz, medium chill with some soul. Basic horn, sax, piano, guitar, drums. Engaging melodies interleaved with solos in a traditional format that's easy to wrap my head around. By turns catchy, pretty, melancholy, and technically impressive; all of it interesting but accessible. Loving this vibe, just the right energy level for me right now. Great stuff. I'm sure I'll be back to visit often.
what a beautiful, delightful album! well deserving of its place among the 1,001 albums. a well done instrumental album. it's fantastic to have on while driving or working. i appreciate the combination of afrobeat and jazz, because this album really became something unique. can't wait to listen again!
Wouw. First time listening to this, and really positive. Warm and cozy.. a nice extension of the 60’s be-bop jazz into the 70’s. References to both African music and funk here and there, just making it even more exciting.
I'm never 100% sure how I feel about jazz records, but I find this more than satisfactory. Some solid grooves on this.
I happened to be driving through Arizona while listening to this album. Which was kind of interesting since it feels like an album for a rainy city day. Lot's of beautiful moments and melodies and it was cool to hear him do so much with a saxophone. I get a little bored with jazz, possibly because I'm not smart enough, but I liked it.
As far as jazz goes, this isn't so bad. All the skill that you expect from a highly-rated jazz album is there but the afrobeat influence gives "Home Is Where the Music Is" an edge over its contemporaries. The extremely strong emphasis on the rhythm section gives the music a structure and drive that's missing from most jazz songs. Very solid entry. Especially for a jazz album.
The previous day brought us Bowie's "Young Americans," and I found the horns on that album tremendously annoying. Not so with "Home is Where the Music Is," which is filled with warm and exuberant horns. I was not at all familiar with Hugh Masekela, the "father of South African jazz," but I love his style.
For all you horny folks, this album here has some great horn action. Really enjoyed listening to this album. Though I was a little horned out by the time I got to that 10 minute track. Felt like I needed some Gatorade and Cialis to complete the rest of it. Regardless, this was probably the best horn I've received in quite some time. Four stars!
Beautiful and relaxing, perfect for a variety of settings. Great drumming and piano work in particular!
I enjoyed this album and it is something I need/want to listen to more as I think I have only begun to experience it
A great album with excellent musicians, pulled together by the brilliant Masekela. Each track has its own voice and yet fits into the whole.
A very pleasant soul-infused jazz record. Great background listening. And quite amazing in contrast to the previous record, which was also jazz fusion and a possible contender for worst album on this list. That contrast gives this album the push to round it up from 3.5 to 4.
Iha viddun hyvä! Kunnon afrobeat meats jazzybazzy! Todella tiukka meiniki ja sopivan mittainen paketti tavaraa. 4/5
The dynamics change on Maesha hits so hard The drums on Blues for Huey are legendary The harmonies with the sax and the horn on nomali are smooth while the keys go nuts Interesting mix of jazz styles
Pretty straight-ahead jazz album but with enough clever takes and lines that it's above-average.
Holy moly this album is an incredible listen. It's soulful, spiritual, and takes advantage of every silence and open space to immerse your brain. This is worth a million listens.
I don't feel qualified to comment much on this album, except to say I really enjoyed it and I feel it would definitely be something to put on in the background for a dinner party.
4 Yes yes yes. This is my kind of jazz. I think it’s like Fusion/BeBop. Uptempo and consistent. This was a really really fun listen. Every player was on point and kept me guessing around every corner. Got a little whatever near the middle but I think it finished out strong Favorites: Part of a Whole, Minawa, The Big Apple, Unhome, Maesha
Never really got into to his music. But I love the fusion of African chord progressions and rhythm with the contemporary American sound.
Really enjoyed this one! I put it on while working and I must have listened to it front to back 3 times. Very accessible but still throws in some free jazz at times to keep you on your toes. I’m giving this 4 stars because I’m worried I’m inflating the value of 5 stars? Like this was a great album but my gut tells me to slow down 5 star distribution. Oh well