Home Is Where The Music Is

This 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.

One thing I’ve learnt from 1001’ is that I can’t really handle Jazz in most forms.

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.

Too long. A few highlights. Mostly not for me.

Great walking album. Sunset album. Goood vibes all around

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.

Clearly talented but couldn’t really get into it

A great listen, love it!

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.

What a great feast of music this is

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

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.

Warm, soft jazz perfection-- I can actually feel the waves of calm come over me as I listen to this, it's incredible.

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 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!

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!

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.

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…

Nice and refreshing album. Not my usual style but I wouldn't mind listening to it while reading or working.

South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, singer and composer who has been described as "the father of South African jazz". Great living room lounging album.

Good but a bit too long and repetitive.

Beautiful, soulful, uplifting every single second.

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.

Generating a jazz album doesn't excite me. Generating a double jazz album REALLY doesn't excite me. However, I really quite enjoyed this (in fact I listened to it twice!). I appreciate the variety, with every musician getting tracks where they get to shine.

Maybe it's just the fact that I'm lying in bed on a sunny Oxford spring morning and enjoying some nostalgia literature while I listen to this, but yeah, I'm Extremely digging this

I just pulled an Elf: "I know him! I know him!" LOL. I met him once at my old job. He and his whole group was nice and he included me in the pre show song circle :)

Exactly the beta blocker some of us needed today.

Perfect soundtrack on a slow Sunday afternoon with a coffee and a book.

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.

T'as un peu commencé à m'agacer sur la fin mais je t'en tiens pas rigueur.

I actually really liked to work to this. Lots of character in his playing.

Hugh Masekela is a giant of the African jazz scene. This record exemplifies this, with tons of character and dynamics. No two songs sound the same and the 70 minute run through is a breeze. Best Tracks: - Maesha Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7/10

good jazz music, great for feeling like chuck mcgill

This is comfortable, familiar and long, like an amiable work Christmas party conversation that, despite similar will on both sides, neither of you can bring to stop, though you are really very tired and just want a slice of cold pizza and to go home.

Elvis never meant shit to me.

Nothing particularly bad about this album. Also nothing I would call exceptionally good. Just some easy listening music I suppose.

Despite it being jazz, I quite liked it. Nice and easy to listen to, good rhythms and flow.

no jazz pls

boring

It was an awesome listen, performance and production top tier, one of the best jazz albums I have heard

A true great from a beautiful land.

Interesting wonder if he influenced Ben Mulwana

this album is so suave Love the first few notes of Maesha

The depth of this album is so subtle throughout its run time. Despite coming out during the Jazz-fusion era it harkens back to an older time in jazz but also manages to add in afro-influences. This album has definitely become one of my favorite jazz records.

Nomali is my new jam.

Fun jazz album with a hint of funk, great brass - I would definitely buy this album.

such a fun listen quite structured forms but still exciting and dynamic - heavily due to the solo sections soloists crush on this album with every track. they’re all unique characters that build cohesion by sharing motifs between each other. these guys love to play outside the changes which i’m a sucker for. definitely a healthy amount of stank face moments for me that rhythm section is also tight af. they play so well with the soloists and vice versa will 100% be revisiting this - was between a 4 and 5 but i listened to this during a beautiful sunny day walk which bumped it up

Solid five. All scattershot drums, spasmodic piano and strange melodies. Spacious stuff.

This is a masterpiece- it combines so much of jazz with African music and seems very ahead of its time. It’s groovy and beautifully done. Standout songs: The Big Apple, Minawa, Blues for Huey, Maesha

Real good!

I like it since 1972!

I had never heard this before, and it was beautiful!

Superb

This was my album on a cold dreary winter Monday. And it is so up my alley that my day just improved. This album had exactly the right energy and feel. The instruments were tight and the melodies were great. Even on some of the more out there tracks like Blues for Huey, I found myself coming around to liking them by the end. I don’t know how I hadn’t heard Hugh Masekela’s work before this, but I will certainly return to find other albums of his.

Oh I loved this. Wow wow wow. What a magical jazz album. I'm going to listen to more of his catalogue for sure.

Really enjoyed it. Made me realize I should listen to more jazz, excellent album to listen to while working.

Yes

South African trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn player Hugh Masekela. I can't help but wonder if his 1972 album "Home Is Where The Music Is" appears on the list because it was recorded in London following his exile from South Africa, and this list has a heavy British bias. But, jazz critics also consider it a highlight of a very prolific career. Masekela had international commercial success in the late 1960s with original compositions but became better known for pop jazz covers. "Home Is Where The Music Is" dispenses with comfort of the familiar, Jazz vocalists were struggling to stay relevant when pop radio switched to rock and roll and Julie London was covering The Doors, while Carmen McRae dramatically interpreted Simon and Garfunkel's The Sounds of Silence. Hugh Masekela records an album of songs by South African composers and singers. It sounds mellow and warm. But, this isn't the Mbaqanga of South African pop music under apartheid that would inspire the cultural theft of Paul Simon's Graceland, this is not "world music" as signifier of cultural difference. In a way this Afro-jazz album transcends imposed labels, reviewers consider it to be a cross-cultural conversation between Western conventions and an unheard by Western ears, African musical heritage. "Minawa" is beautifully mellow and sprawling, "The Big Apple" bears a passing resemblance to "Summertime" before the familiar is spontaneously composed away.

Can't believe I haven't heard this, really enjoyed it and will explore his entire songbook more!

Wow, a new name to add to my jazz library, awesome!!

very chill

This is what I've been waiting for.

Definitely on of my favourite jazz albums on this list. I feel like I need to dip my toes first into the whole genre, instead of attacking Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk and quickly regretting it. I like every song on this album by Hugh, great bass line throughout the record, and sound of flugelhorn is just amazing. If I'm ever buying a jazz vinyl, here is where I start with.

In cre í ble. El segundo tema all fav

Amazing!

Jazz!

Very solid jazz album. Almost has moments that evoke "free jazz", which was a movement prominent during this time.

Hits all the funk fusion I like, some straight ahead. Lots of great playing, especially the keys. Everything I'm looking for in a jazz album.

expansive, soulful masterpiece that perfectly captures the dynamic blend of jazz, funk, and African rhythms. showcasing Masekela’s unmatched artistry as a flugelhorn player, composer, and musical visionary. The album is a stunning fusion of genres, marrying jazz improvisation with African musical traditions. Tracks like “Minawa” and “The Big Apple” exemplify this seamless integration, creating a sound that feels both rooted and exploratory. Masekela’s flugelhorn playing is deeply emotive, ranging from mellow and introspective to fiery and bold. The interplay between the instruments, especially with Larry Willis on piano and Dudu Pukwana on saxophone, is captivating. Each track offers something unique, from the meditative grooves of “Maesha” to the upbeat rhythm of “Ingoo Pow-Pow (Children’s Song). Impeccable Production, the album’s sound is warm and organic, capturing the energy of live performance while maintaining studio clarity. If I had to nitpick, the album’s length could be daunting for some listeners. At nearly an hour and a half, it demands patience and attention, which isn’t always easy in our fast-paced world. A couple of tracks, while beautifully played, could feel meandering to someone not accustomed to jazz’s exploratory nature. Home Is Where The Music Is is an album that deserves to be heard by anyone who appreciates music as an art form. It’s a stunning showcase of Hugh Masekela’s talent and vision, and it has an undeniable spirit that feels alive even decades later. Sure, it’s not casual listening, but that’s what makes it so special. For me, this album is a five-star triumph and a cornerstone of any jazz or world music collection.

There are some incredible arrangements on this piece. Minawa is breath-takingly beautiful. The Big Apple is another gorgeous track. The most compelling pieces of music seem to lay in the first half, driven by the struggles of coping in a world too busy to breathe. Major themes seem to finally land in Maesha, which is an absolute gut punch. The horns howl a wailing loneliness. The keys made me forget how cold I was. Strong 8/Light 9

Oh, this is absolutely sublime. From the very first note, the musicianship on display is breathtaking. Hugh Masekela’s flugelhorn playing is, of course, the main attraction, and he does not disappoint, delivering a performance that is both technically masterful and emotionally resonant. But what really elevated this album for me was Larry Willis’s stunning piano work. It weaves through the tracks beautifully, sometimes subtle and meditative, other times vibrant and commanding. The interplay between Masekela’s horn and the other musicians is so fluid that it almost feels like they’re all speaking in a shared, intimate musical language. This is exactly the sort of discovery I was hoping for when I started exploring this list. Before today, I hadn’t even heard of Hugh Masekela, but now I’m eager to dive into more of his work. It’s the kind of album that feels timeless—both relaxing and invigorating all at once. Score: 5/5

Absolutely loved this album and saved it to my collection!!

jazz afrobeat fusion

Very good

Since embarking upon this project, I've come across too many albums that once played, I couldn't wait for them to end. This is the first album I have listened to that I DIDN'T WANT to end. Just blissful to listen to, and I always thought I hated jazz. May have to reevaluate that assumption. This one is going in my tidal library and getting five stars!

Damn, fire

an absolute fucking tome, not cuz its the longest album in the world or anything (its a mere double LP) but because of how constantly rich that runtime is...i can already tell even after a dozen listens i wouldnt be done with this. the record's biggest virtuoso is larry willis, who's piano can be jarring yet soulful yet spicy yet melodic...sometimes in turn, sometimes any number of those things at once. featuring a songbook of south african composers and released in the heart of apartheid which was keeping masekela from returning to his home country, the record is eclectic in style but constantly emphasizes the Roots of its styles to extremely potent effect. have i ever mentioned that jazz is just clearly the absolute best cultural thing to come out of the united states of america

I worked in South Africa for a year, and going to jazz shows was a weekly must. And this is the godfather of the unique aesthetic that I've come to love.

Yeah. Groovy, man! 4/5. Only a couple of tracks are stopping this from 5/5. On a second listen, on speakers instead of headphones, this gets a 5 :)

Absolutely stunning piece of jazz. Invigorating as active listening, chill and a vibe in the background. Stellar performances all around, and I really enjoy the African influence in the rhythms and song styles.

Loved this album even more than I thought would.

A very nice surprise. Exceptional playing all around and some beautifully arranged music

Outstanding!

Brilliant. Brought joy to my day. Never heard it before and loved it .Wonder if this influenced early Jazz Funk pioneers like the Crusaders? Shut up and take my 5

How often do you listen to a 76 minute album, from an artist you've never heard before, get to the end and wished it kept going? This is just fantastic.

Great jazz album, African beats

Minawa is peak, such a beautiful song. Probably my favorite jazz album i gotten from this site Slightly unrelated but hugh was sampled on Riot! by earl sweatshirt and knowing that makes me like this album more despite the song that was sampled not being on this album

Great jazz!

This album is energetic. Masekela's playing is lyrical and emotive and the band offers a dynamic canvas for Masekela to work with.

9/10. Oh, this one is definitely nice! Smooth and ethnic jazz! :)

Love Hugh Masekela. Never did a deeper dive. Perfect for a fall Sunday. Added to my APPLE music

I like this one

cool

Could be my favorite jazz musician of all time. The more I hear the more I like

Chipper, anthemic, cozy

Loved the jazz.

Smooth jazz, perfect to read or work to because of the groovy flow

parasta taiteilumusiikkia vähään aikaan

Great album. This type of record is a great example of what this list can bring: exposure to great music that I could not know otherwise.

Lovely jazz album