Home Is Where The Music Is

amazing jazz album

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I wish I had heard of this artist and this album long before today. I have enjoyed the jazz that I have listened to before and due to this list, but this is thus far my favorite jazz album. The music is beautiful and for lack of a better word "peppy" but that is not to say that this is easy listening or background music. There is a lot going on musically but this manages to maintain a coherence. Wonderful album.

la trompeta uffff

It truly is.

As someone who needs something new on a regular basis to function properly, this album gave me just that this morning. Positive and fresh vibes

Goddamn this album title is so true and it delivers with some gas jazz piano and trumpeting. These songs never get too repetitive and have driving energy that really feels infectious. Wonderful stuff all the way through it all just grows and becomes even more beautiful.

Anything by this artist is exceptional. His music is quite unique and very enjoyable.

Énorme coup de coeur pour le solo de batterie

Muy bueno.....super recomendada 👌 👍🏻 😉

Hugh Masekela – Home Is Where The Music Is (1972) On Day 110, I found a project that never failed to deliver. It was exactly what I intended it to be: a great fusion of Jazz and Afrobeat that feels powerful and grounded. The musicianship is top-tier, and the production is immaculate throughout the double-LP. I was drawn closest to "Minawa," "Maesha," and "Nomali." These tracks showcase a vocal triumph through the instruments that made the whole experience feel blessed. This is a high-level body of work that I can definitely guarantee I’ll be returning to. A definitive 5/5.

I love this album. Have enjoyed it on vinyl many times. The instruments are all so pronounced and smooth. Sax makes me happy.

I wasn’t wrong. Fantastic jazz album. Muchas de las canciones me recuerdan al estilo de Hisaishi para la musica de Ghibli. Truly delicious. 5/5

Easy 5

Absolutely Fantastic, Great grooves, wonderful atmosphere

The playing on this album is so ridiculously clean it killed every single germ in my body. Gave me immunodeficiency, but it was worth it!!!

Never heard of Hugh Masekela before but these cats are smokin'. Smooth and laid back way to start my Friday. I really dig the horns playing in unison and all the musicians play exactly what is needed. Maesha is the standout track for me. I listened to this most of the day and it's in the top 25 new to me albums on the list. This one is going in the rotation.

Excellent - first time listener and I will be looking into some more Hugh masekela !

This album is incredibly changing and varied, and delivered with such mastery that it is nothing but great. There are so many layers here, being not a very easy album to get into, but, surely, it is worth listening. The music is very unique, each song is a different thing, but it is pretty cohesive as an album too. I'm amazed by how everything is so fantastically delivered, with such taste and, at many times, so groovy. I've loved this album. It's a very interesting jazz record.

This is shockingly good. It’s 76 minutes long, and it doesn’t feel like it in the way that Double Nickels on the Dime feels long. One of the best jazz albums ever.

This was such a relaxing listen. Love love looooved

I loved listening to this while reading about who Hugh Masekela was. Knowing about his history and impact made the music that much more rich to me. He is credited as the flugelhorn player, no trumpet mentioned at all. He didn't play the trumpet even once in this record, only the flugelhorn, which I found extremely interesting bc my mind always assumes trumpet to be the default jazz instrument. But I love the timbre of the flugel. This was an excellent listen.

Miles a un ami! Ça sonne très bien, il y a du fusion dans l'air. Mon premier jazz Sud Africain

Glad to listen to more by Masekela, I loved that Earl sample and I have been searching for more Hugh Masekela since.

That drummer is incredible. Any time he gets any measure to himself, he makes it damn clear that's his time. Everyone else is great as well. I think everyone does really well with the time they have to themselves. It's a very low-key album overall but it has some great energy in some parts. It's good music to go on a nature walk to, which is what I did with the first half of it with my dog. I like psychedelic stuff and some jazz when I'm walking down a canal path. I don't have a whole lot to say about it, it's just some really good jazz. Saxophone bonus points, of course. It's jazz.

This was totally great music to listen to while I work - interesting jazz throughout but not trying to be crazy for no damn reason. I would add this to my growing list of jazz albums for guys that are into but not that into jazz. And a good deal more upbeat and joyous than a lot of the other jazz currently on that list.

Fantastic music

Jazzy, love it.

Incredible African Jazz album, one of the most interesting and pleasant jazz albums I have ever listened to. First half is potentially stronger but never loses interest. Will be returning to it a lot - indeed, I already have, 3 times!

Note to return here with thoughts on rating jazz albums 5

Great jazz that definitely has a 70s feel to it. I know it's a Hugh Masekela album, but that piano player was unbelievable! Liked Songs Added: Part Of A Whole The Big Apple Unhome Inner Crisis

Hugh Masekela's "Home Is Where The Music Is," is a Jazz, Soul, & Folk music studio album released in 1972. Masekela is praised as "the father of South African Jazz," and I find pretty interesting that I had never heard of the guy until now. Perhaps for his history of being a pretty outspoken political activist and several anti-apartheid songs. Right off the bat with "Part of a whole," I knew I was in for a treat as someone who really enjoys Jazz. So much so that I'm not so sure how well this one would resonate with people who haven't heard a variety of Jazz stylings and sub-genres. The different influences of many different Jazz styles in evident in this album so far. It's clear Masekela was a great lover of the genre but he makes it own as he blends them into the soul & folk music I've heard modern African Jazz players emulate. I'm not being so snobby as to say "you wouldn't get it unless you're a true Jazz listener," or whatever else the elitist modern Jazz enthusiasts have a habbit of saying. I'm trying to emphasise that this was made by a Jazz lover who loved many different styles. And with this album being overwhelmingly instrumental, it feels impossible to describe in what way you can hear that love. I wish I could share that somehow. Now this one is a difficult one what with Hugh Masekela's legacy seems to mainly be as the father of South African Jazz and also being a big influence in Africa's Jazz scene. It's nigh impossible to find critics of the time in Africa I could read over. I thought I found one through online-translators but nope. I did find a journalist who talks about what reactions in Africa of the time were to Hugh Masekela but it never cites anything, references any particular outlets, or brings up a person's name. All very vague and hard to go off. American critics of the time and retrospectives seem to be in abundance however that all equally gush and glow over Masekela's fusion and style. There's a bredth of emotion throughout this album. Upbeat and dancy numbers, somber and soulful contemplations, triumphant and heart-rendering outpours, haunting melodies, and parts that build to more drawn out emotion. It's a long album with many long songs; 5:29 at the shortest and 10:29 at the longest. I think on contemplation, this would be a good album for people who haven't really heard or may think they do not like Jazz but this is a sit down and give it some time kind of album. Which I know isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Perfect foreground and background music. Genuine discovery for me. RYM: N Saved a song: N

4.7

Welcomed me from the jump, and at The Big Apple, the chord progressions made me sit up. Blues for Huey was stuck in my head almost instantly. Love this project because sometimes I discover artists I absolutely love.

I am a sucker for nice instrumental jazz.

Love it

The style is enjoying a revival but this still sounds do fresh, so juicy, so energetic. Both inspires and calms my inner human

This iis an instant classic for me. I don't understand jazz enough to be able to analyze it fully, but that second track, 'Minawa' really clocks it for me.

this album fucking fucks

great for a calm and slow night and a productive morning following an amazing afternoon

the music of South African flugelhornist Hugh Masekela, arguably his country's biggest name in the world of jazz, exists within a deeply political context. at the time he recorded Home Is Where the Music Is, his most enduring body of work, he was in exile. he and many of his fellow South African musicians, a couple of whom are featured on this album, had fled the country in the early 60s to escape the apartheid regime's increasing segregation and violence against its Black population. Masekela spent some time in the US making albums after fleeing his homeland, but Home Is Where the Music Is was made after he moved to London; a few months after it was recorded, he would flee to Guinea. some of Masekela's music functions as explicit anti-apartheid activism, but even at its most (apparently) apolitical, it still serves a political function. even the title, Home Is Where the Music Is, reads to me as an expression of deep homesickness; the track title "Inner Crisis" also jumped out at me in this regard. Masekela viewed his work as giving a voice to not just his own struggles as an oppressed artist in exile, but also the struggles of the native South Africans he represented on the global stage. jazz started in the US under similar (though obviously not identical) conditions of oppression and repression of its Black population; American jazz was (and still is) often a form of protest against the long-standing systems of racism that eventually led to its creation. by contrast, Masekela's music was a protest against what was, at the time, a much newer system. even just the act of playing and recording was a form of resistance for him and many other South Africans in exile; on this album, the result is a sprawling double-LP featuring passionate performances of some great compositions by (with one exception) South African jazz writers, primarily album producer Caiphus Semenya. the quintet here is three South Africans—Masekela, drummer Makaya Ntshoko and alto saxophonist Dudu Pukwana—joined by American keyboardist Larry Willis and Puerto Rican bassist Eddie Gómez. all ten tracks here feature the band stretching out and taking a lot of bold risks. Ntshoko's drumming in particular gets extremely adventurous, especially on his rubato solo on "Blues for Huey". Pukwana goes for blood on pretty much every solo spot he gets, which I have to appreciate as a fellow sax-ist. the whole band plays as a tremendous unit, and I like that the horn overdubbing is only used in a couple spots to fill out the sound of heads in or out of tunes. there's cuts that lean funky, some that feel like a warm blanket, others that swing for the fences; but they all have a deep rhythmic propulsion! that's present on a lot of American jazz records, sure, but it gets dialed up to 11 here. Home Is Where the Music Is is a great showcase of one of the most captivating aspects of jazz as a genre: it's a mutt! pretty much any style of music you can think of works well as an addition to it, since it's already such a hodge-podge of different musical styles to begin with! the types of jazz certain people play will tell you a lot about them not just as musicians, but as people and, in Masekela's case, as champions of a brighter future. he did eventually get to come home to South Africa, but that was a long 15 years after making this album. decent 9/10.

Definetly will buy on vynil and will play ocasionaly in the background.

Fantastic!!!

What a pleasure to listen to

Never heard of this artist before getting this album today but damn what an introduction! Funky, groovy, while sounding surprisingly modern. Honestly you could have told me this album came out last year and I would have believed you. Is it a tad long? Maybe, but there is enough variety here and it never felt like it dragged. It made me potentially want to explore more of his catalog. Easy 5 for me.

Perfect music for having a drink and lounging with some friends in the park

Amazing

Never heard before, but wow that was great

This was so much fun fun, it’s everything I want out of a jazz album

Great jazz trumpet

I'm a huge sucker for good jazz, so this entire album was music to my ears. Knowing some background on Hugh Masekela and all that he did for South Africa makes this album hit even harder. Absolutely beautiful

LOVED THIS

Solid instrumental

Couldn't find it but I'm sure it's awesome cus jazz

Great, groovy and fun record!

This was a really exceptional album; it had a great mix of swing and funk jazz. The rhythms felt constantly changing and the duets between saxophone and horn were beautiful. Great jazz record from an artist I've never heard of but will definitely explore more. Standout Tracks: Minawa, Maseru, Inner Crisis, Maesha.

Wow man. An exceptional jazz album, top to bottom. Can't believe I don't hear this name spoken more often when discussing the genre. Maybe it's not the most complex playing out there, but boy is it wonderful to listen to.

So beautiful and so groovy. 200ish albums in, I think this is my favourite discovery so far. It partly sounds like a very well played bebop record with some excellent phrasing and playing in general. But then every form they are playing has some of that sweet afrobeat magic. Every musician on here has at least a couple of songs where they absolutely kill it. Then half of the record is also so dancable and swings in such a unique way. Just awesome, I love it

Whoa, this is amazing. Favorite track was Maseru

They really should use the original album cover on this website; it'll be hilarious seeing people get jumpscared by the freaky faces. A lot of the jazz records I see get praise from critics and music nerds tend to skew towards songs with fast tempos and/or complex improvisations. Compared to those albums, /Home Is Where the Music Is/ comes off as a breath of fresh air. This is a much more relaxed album where the ensemble chooses to vibe with each other and create a collection of mellow African-infused jazz songs. The tracks on this record are incredibly uplifting and life-affirming (this fact becomes much more poignant when you learn about Hugh Masekela's life up until this point), and this mood allows the album to be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their jazz experience. The fact that this is a double album, which would intimidate anyone including myself, doesn't really register when listening to this in full; everything on this project just flies by. I know a lot of folks on this website don't enjoy this as much as I do, and that's okay. I'll just be here having a grand old time with this album. Standout Tracks: Part of a Whole, The Big Apple, Maseru, Blues for Huey, Maesha, Ingoo Pow-Pow (Children's Song) Score: S

Terrific album. Had the stank face going pretty quick and pretty often. The album starts off very strong, and keeps it up throughout. A long album, don't get me wrong, but each song felt different. They were each unique, with different progressions and sounds and solos, with distinct intros and crescendos and all of that fun stuff. Never heard of this album or of Hugh Masekela, and came away VERY impressed.

great stuff, good players. a lot of these licks have become cliches now, but that's not this record's fault.

Solid album with great playing, high 4, just don't love how it ends

great jazz album

absolute banger

Sick album

Bester Jazz seit langem

Jazz is great

I’m not really a jazz person but this felt less chaotic than most. I really enjoyed it.

Very nice

Perfect chill album. Crisp audio. Smooth all around.

I actually enjoyed this way more than I expected. I had such a fun time listening to this and it stayed interesting throughout even though it is quite long. I’m guessing this might be a surprise 5 star album for me. I can definitely see myself playing this again.

I fuckin love jazz like this. If you don't we don't need to be friends.

Loved this! A perfect album to unwind to. Truly enjoyed each track.

Fantastic jazz album, nice find from the 1001 list. Like the varied instrumentation in this with piano, brass, and african jazz rhythms in the percussion section. Favorite track: part of a whole other picks: the big apple, unhome, blues for huey, nomali

I had heard a few songs by him and knew he was great, but had been introduced as a contemporary of Fela Kuti and I hadn't realized he played more traditional jazz. This album was fantastic front to back, can't wait to dive deep.

One of my favorite albums

This is the kind of jazz I’ve been looking for for a long time.

Delightful my-style jazz, with a tinge of funk. Excellent.

wordless

Si no me equivoco, es jazz improviso y me encanta

Brilliant

A fantastic album, rich, diverse in sounds and instruments it has everything I love in an album. I think it is music that has depth, a point of view and a soul behind it. Everything as a sound and a purpose, and it is a journey to go through, full of excitement and diversity. There is very little to complain about, I may not like the final song very much for example (Ingoo Pow-Pow), but I also love that it is included because it sounds very different from the rest while still being tied together by the same brilliant person behind it. Honestly the blend of different genre is absolutely excellent, it works for me in the smoothest way, and I am really glad I got to hear it.

This is an album that reminds me why I’m doing this. What a jewel. And never heard of Hugh Masekela before. The history, the context is beautiful enough. Let alone the musicianship. But also love the production - the binaural effect of the band listening in headphones on a grey blustery Sunday afternoon. Wonderful stuff. Gets a big fat 5 from me.

Excellent !

Album of my year for me. I’ve listened to it like 10 times already Each song is so unique but so good. There’s such a good balance of technical mastery and soul in the music

I love the chaos that is jazz 😀

So chill and awesome. Perf to listen while I make my breakfast and stretch

Great

Finally, some jazz! "Minawa" is a notable high point, but the whole album is strong. Definitely saving this for a relisten.

Nota 100000

amazing album from an amazing artist. i love Hugh masekela and south african jazz and it's a real delight to see him on the list. a beautiful, expressive album that i could listen to on repeat. if you liked this i encourage you to check out Pops Mohamed, Allen Kwela, Bheki Mseleku or really just any of the amazing reissues labels like Matsuli Music and As-Shams Records are putting out

good memories

Дуже гарний альбом, прямо відкриття з цього списку. Такий джаз я люблю, вплив африканської тут відчутний звісно, але без надмірності (особливо якщо не брати до уваги останню композицію). Також сподобалась робота піаніста тут.

Is there such a thing as gothic jazz? I need to check on that . I’m hearing this and I’m thinking, Charlie Brown/Intermission music. The big Apple sounds like a Fiona Apple song. I know, I know, he was first but he doesn’t sing. So that’s why I said what I said. After all is said and done, this is by far the best jazz album I have heard. Not that I could recall the last jazz album I had heard but I know there have been a few. So, if this stands out above whatever else I had heard, props to Hugh. I’m in a giving mood as well, this is a 5 star for its category. Against any and all albums in the music world, it fails miserably . But here, against other jazz albums? It’s good.

Great and viby would excellent soundtrack to my gym sesh

This was absolutely delightful on a Friday morning with a cup of coffee

Boomers will remember his '60s hit 'Grazing in the Grass,' but I think that was his only popular song. This is all excellent music, spend some time here!

Very fun and perfect to listen to during the work day. There was a sound that was kind of like R2D2 in one of the songs. It was also giving Peanuts. Would listen to this album again.

Slaps

Wasn’t expecting to love this album so much. It’s now in my top 5 jazz albums of all time. What an incredible piece!!!

Loved it

Beautiful and raw. It was like sitting in the living room and listening to your grandpa tell a story.

A beautiful album that has been a gateway for me to Jazz, perfect to relax to, read to, enjoy life to. Top Picks: Part of a Whole The Big Apple Inner Crisis Nomali Maesha Honestly so so enjoyable and a great listen - 5!

Really enjoyable listen - as another review mentioned, what could be background music really grabs your attention and interest. This list has definitely opened my eyes to jazz to a greater degree than I was aware of it before, excited to dig into more of his music.

Amazing album, lots of variation in tone and mood, every song seems to fit into the whole structure of the album rather than standing on its own. Already listened to it twice, this is without a doubt the first 5 on my list. Very different from the American jazz im used to.

obligatory 10/10 for another jazz album

BEST SONGS: - Minawa - Maseru

The album was an experience and a soulful journey I loved every minute of it

I always forget how much I like jazz and definitely don't listen to enough afrobeat. This was truly so interesting and enjoyable would defintely listen to this again. Perfect for working, cooking, or just relaxing. So captivating but can play well in the background.

Okay this is the kind of shit I was hoping to find when I signed up for this site. Hell yeah!

Wow! I’m kinda pissed right now. I’ve never come across this name before, and that’s just not right, because this album is freaking gorgeous. Look, I was raised listening to jazz. I took jazz piano lessons, I played in a jazz band in high school. I’m always talking to my dad about jazz players new and old. There’s definitely a possibility that this is just a bizarre, circumstantial blind spot. Maybe the jazz folks around me just never got into the South African scene themselves, or something. But I really think this album/artist has just gone unfairly unnoticed or underrated. I absolutely loved this whole album; the groovy songs really *groove* and the slow songs are deeply pretty. It's becoming a cliche that I give every jazz album a 5-star rating, but I don't care, I'm doing it again. Must-listen #184.

This is a standout jazz record. Nearly every track is top tier, blending groove, emotion, and incredible musicianship. The only slight dip comes at the very end, but it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. It’s a great listen from start to (almost) finish.

I’m such a sucker for good jazz, and this has such impressive performances across the board.

wow, this is one of those albums that pushes me to keep going w/ this list <3

One of the better jazz albums I've listened to

ME ENCANTÓ.

Superb. Uplifting music that moves the soul. If you are not familiar with Masekela then ignore the reviews (mostly ignorant), put this on and let it wash over you.

Really liked this- easy to listen to and very enjoyable.

5/5 un álbum de jazz hermoso con una composición inmaculada sin ningún tipo de pérdida

Lovely jazz album. Superbly played by everyone, this album is filled with soft moody sections and explosions of energy. Really makes this hour and 15 minutes fly by. I love the drum tone on here

me RE encantooooo me encanta el jazz se me ha hecho un viaje en bus increible

Excellent album! I was in a rut of music that just wasn't clicking with me and this pulled me right out. This is way more structured than what Miles Davis and co were doing in the 70s. It reminds me a lot of what Snarky Puppy would do, which is always a great thing: set up a strong motif and then let your musicians dance around it. The Big Apple and Inner Crisis were definitely my favorites. This is a very beautiful album and one I could listen to all day.

Had a lovely walk listening to this

Beautiful, soulful, relaxing. Great date night music.

This is what jazz should be. All of the time. Forever.

Solid album with some serious groove. I'll definitely go back to this one. Great listen all the way through. I'd heard of him before but hadn't really delved very deep. 4.5/5

This was a terrific surprise to me. I was only two tracks in and I was already to listen this again.

5/29/25. Really engaging Jazz here! Just lovely music and love the different styles incorporated into this, especially the Afro elements. Will be revisiting again and again.

Superb.

An abslolute bop!

Jag har tappat förståelsen för när nåt träffar mig eller inte, men detta gjorde det. Såhär ska jazz va.

Mysig Jazz!

Beautiful album. So glad I was introduced to it.

4.8/this album is phenomenal. i want it on vinyl so bad

A fantastic album from start to finish. This is one of those that deserve five stars and a comment.

Love this album!

Originally was gonna make this a 4.25 but honestly 4.5 rounding to 5 star.

a very chill and funky fusion jazz album, blending soul, afrobeat, and traditional south african foundations. the album has a lot of improv throughout its 40-something minute runtime. i don't know about you, but i really love me some "head empty" jazz albums. don't need to think about much when those grooves are letting you unwind and loosen up. many tracks keep you interested with unique drum fills, engaging sections and a uber-carefree vibe i'm obsessed with.

Really cool and funky. I was very surprised to find out that it was an instrumental jazz album!

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

Hugh brings it on home with textbook blues jazz that keeps you invested in unique song structures, killer solos and changing vibes throughout.

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.

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!

I actually really loved this. Jazzy and funky and cool.

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!

I can listen to this all day every day

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.

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

Expectations Demolished.

Very good

I’ve heard a decent amount of Hugh’s stuff, but not this album. Even so, I knew this would be fire and there was no disappointment on that front. From start to finish this is an album full of jams to get you grooving. Funky jazz throughout and it was a great soundtrack to my Monday morning!

Love jazz, love this album. Will listen again!

A lilt, a groove and a sound that, for reasons unknown, hit the spot - and then some.

Quality jazz, well put together 5*

This is what I signed up for.

I had never heard of him before but something about this album just was the perfect soundtrack to my morning. I listened to it twice back to back. 5 stars for me.

This was a fantastic listening experience. There's a looseness to the grooves that is very refreshing. Not very adventurous from a harmonic standpoint, but it doesn't need to be. There's some questionable tuning between the trumpet and the sax making some of the harmonized lines (and even some of the unison lines) extra spicy. That would normally knock a couple stars off for me, but within the context of this vibe, it works. 5 stars.

I think I'm in love with jazz

I just love jazz so much.

Would be so good to listen to this while watching a snowstorm. Warm and fuzzy. Dramatic softness.

This was great jazz that I had never heard before. Just fantastic. I will be listening to this again and delving further into the rest of his catalog.

My only previous exposure to Hugh Masekela was documentary footage of him absolutely melting faces on the Monterey Pop stage. This was just as awesome.

Wow, from the first beat I'm in. 2nd jazz album this week and I'm not upset. Instrumental, enjoyable albums are always high stars for me. 5* Highlight: inner crisis Ingoo pow-pow came out of nowhere -- i know the description says afrobeat but I didn't get any of that in the other tracks.

Excellent jazz. Practically feels like classical music in its execution and it happens to be just as good.

I enjoyed every moment of this album, excellent trumpet. Thank you, jazz!

This was very pleasant background music, really moody and cozy. I liked it a lot and will return to it if I ever want that kind of jazz in my room. The only song I didn't care much for was the addition of the Ingoo Pow-Pow (Children's Song) at the very end, because the singing and identity of the song clashed with the rest of the album.

knew the name, but not the music - very cool jazz, trumpet/flugelhorn, sax, piano & drums, nice

Nice jazz to listen to in the morning, no real flaws.

This album swings. Loved it on the first listen. Got to get this on vinyl.

If your knowledge of Hugh Masekela’s music starts and ends with “Grazing in the Grass,” you owe it to yourself to listen to this album. A mix of jazz, blues and traditional South African music, it’s complex and joyful.

I like jazz, and this is great jazz.

This is great music. Hugh Masekela was unknown to me until now. I liked the album very much. I will certainly be listening to more from Masekela. 5/5

Super

I have loved Hugh Masekela since high school. His effortlessly cool style combined with the feeling of . . . sunshine? He does happy music the best I've ever heard. Without it sounding too sweet and disingenuously positive, he creates melodies that just brighten the mood, which all makes his deeper, slower songs so much more memorable. I have nothing to complain about. The length and production could be an issue for some, but neither bother me. I enjoy this album and every song on it thoroughly. Love it. 5/5

New to me. Funky and fresh and fun.

Great album

absolute vibe talented man 4.6/5

This was fantastic!

Transports me to a smoky jazz club, puts a whiskey on the rocks in front of me, and a cigar in my hand. I could stay in this club all night.

First saw High Masekela at Artists Against Apartheid, Clapham Common, a great day, generally, and Coal Train (not on this album) still sends shivers down my spine. Great man, great album.

I was not expecting so much variety in this album and was pleasantly surprised by it. The songs bounce around between funky, smooth, groovy, and beautifully chill. If the songs were shorter, it might be a bit jarring but having them breathe over a longer run-time let's you sink into a distinct, wonderful experience for each track.

Cool

Not just easy to listen to, it makes me feel unbelievably cool while its on. Masekela is crazy talented and versatile. I typically dislike albums with tracks exceeding 6 minutes in length, but this isn't in the same realm. Makes me want a martini, a 70's pantsuit, a jello mold dessert, a Virgina Slims with one of those long filters attached, and a government that gives a fuck about human rights...

Absolutely loved this album. The blend of horn, piano and other instruments was incredible. The Big Apple and others were long pieces that allowed the listener to be washed away in the beautiful music.

Jazz/jazz-fusion with an ebb and flow to the compositions that I really liked. 4.5/5.0: Excellent

It was great, never heard this before so it was a nice surprise.

Surprisingly amazing! never heard of them and I'm thrilled to add this to my playlists :)

I loved this record. It was varied and really interesting. You'd have more upbeat songs and then a slower song to break things up. Things got really jammy towards the end. The drum solo in Blues For Huey when the riff started coming back in, followed by the whole band was so sick. The trumpet solos/riffs were so good and the harmonies were amazing. I also loved all the piano noodling. It was the perfect album to listen to as I drove to the canyon early in the morning to ski powder. I'm also just really stoked on the name of the album. It really resonates with me.

Wow. This one blew me away. The trumpets, the drums, the bass lines. It was so varied throughout. Each song flowed smoothly into the next, but kept you engaged and interested the whole time. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will revisit frequently. Also, shoutout to Selema Masekela's Dad! Been a fan of his for a long time.

Jazz Masterpiece.

bravo!

Awesome stuff. One not as great song and one out of place but really cool

So beautiful and inspired, the flugelhorn/alto sax combo is so good

tolles album, habe es direkt meiner sammlung hinzugefügt!

Worthy of Miriam

Who the fuck is Hugh Masekela?! Holy shit. I honestly didn't expect that there would be artists on here I didn't know but here we are! This is so obscure the wiki page mentions it's inclusion in 1001 Albums in the first paragraph! Soul jazz is not a genre I can say I'm familiar with. Oh shit... This shit is smoooothe. I immediately like "Part of a Whole." I love trying to contemplate how the music itself relates to the titles in jazz. I have no idea how this music equals "Part of A Whole" and maybe song titles in jazz don't always have to sound out their titles in the music. Can you imagine if this music backed Ella Fitzgerald or Amy Winehouse or the Talking Heads? Holy shit. That would be something. But I'm glad it doesn't. I'm glad it stands alone and I love that 1001 has introduced me to it. Wait what the fuck was there a duck whistle around 8:15 in "Part of a Whole?" Gettin loose at the end there. I like it. Oo Minawa is taking it down a notch. What does Minawa mean? Minawa is a beach in Wisconsin. 1 family in the US is named Minawa. It's a rail station in Japan. I'm gonna guess the rail station in Japan fits this mood. Not a bustling city station but a barely populated countryside station that picks up 5 people at 5 am to take them into the city. Minawahhhhh. The Big Apple is obviously about a large piece of fruit or New York. Probably the fruit. But really does exude a city full of life and assholes. Unhome is sad just by the title. I finished the album and loved the entire thing. I also really appreciated the production quality. Even listening in Spotify, this sounds very clean and almost like I'm in the studio. I have to check out more Hugh Masekela!

Big fan! Incredible African jazz from a pioneer of world music - do yourself a favour!

Why not have some fun for once? Great South African Jazz.

I hadn't hear of Hugh Masekela before. Discovering this album through the 1001 album generator has propelled me forward.

Not the most insane album i think but the vibes were immaculate 5/5

I enjoy Jazz so this was a treat for me

🎺🎺🎺 I'm a sucker for jazz but this one was particularly great!

The kind of jazz I like, it's full of life

Solid jazz

Listen at 26/02/2024

Date night, background, bottle of wine, jazz music. I dig it!

This is fantastic jazz. one of the most enjoyable jazz albums I've ever listened to. It grooved throughout. My only complaint is that one song has a drum solo and I dont like drum solos. But other than that, 5 stars

I knew this was a 5/5 after just the first two tracks! Minawa is perhaps the most beautiful jazz recording I've ever heard. This is an amazing album! Inner Crisis is so funky. GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!!

Incredibly creative jazz project with world influences that translates into a highly creative and mesmerizing project

Absolutely love this. It's like a mix between Miles Davis and Fela Kuti.

I had heard of Hugh Masekela, and my public radio station in Eugene used to play him some, but I'd never sat down to listen to numerous songs of his in one sitting. I love this album!

The two complaints I have always had about jazz music are nonexistent on this album. All of the tracks have their own distinct sound and none of them overstay their welcome. This might be jazz in its purest form.

Great album. Nice jazz to listen to and relax. Loved it!

I did not know Hugh Masekela before. Glad I discovered this artist! Great jazz, very funky, not a bit boring: even the chill tracks have insane trumpet parts. First time I'm going to give 5 stars to an album I did not know before, and it's worth it!

Houd meteen al van dit album na nog maar 10 seconden luisteren. Goeie jazz man

Super good my dudes.

Damn! I thought I was pretty hip with all the jazz greats but had never heard of Hugh. What a wonderful album! I’ll be looking for this next time I go digging through crates at the local vinyl mecca, as well as exploring his discography

Very smooth and wonderful compositions. The pieces flow smoothly together to create a cohesive idea. Production is phenomenal, and the mix is perfect. Everything in its right place. This is my kind of music.

Very cool

Some of the best jazz music I've ever heard. Really unique sound, great walking around kind of music. That man can make an instrument cry.

Long as shit. Good though.

Amazing horn playing. Never heard him before!

Oh! I really enjoyed this... Also realized that he wrote one of my favorite songs on the Amandala! soundtrack. The kids didn't even complain.

Simply stunning. The musicianship and composition are perfect. The blend of spiritual jazz, hard bop and African sounds is infectious.

Superb Jazz Album

That was an absolutely enjoyable and groovy listen through. It was acrobat with a Miles Davis/ John Coltrane buzz to it.

This is really good

81/100 Based on this scale: 1 star - 0 to 19 2 stars - 20 to 39 3 stars - 40 to 59 4 stars - 60 to 79 5 stars - 80 to 100 This is the reason I tried this; to discover artists I didn't know. Really great album! The piano and drums are really enjoyable.

fav song: minawa

Damnit do I like jazz now?

Beautiful. Heavy. Hard. Jazz. Nice.

Big discovery. Bangin jazz album with some afro beat mixed in. favorite songs: maseru / basically the whole second half of the album

Surprisingly good classic jazz and coming from South Africa too <3

Jazzy

4.8 - Almost flawless album, the only reason this isn't a solid 5 is that it occasionally feels a bit long. That might just be me though and feels harsh in saying. But I just loved listening and put me in a good mood, which is rare

Yes jazz

Phenomenal album. I love some good Jazz! The biggest problem is deciding to piss l purchase it on vinyl.

Can never get enough of good Jazz.

love this

Wow. Did not know this album. Great funky jazz from 1972. I feel like this album has a similar feel to what Herbie Hancock did with the Headhunters.

Holy moly, not a single bad track on here, this one is being added to my collection

What an amazing band behind Masekel.

Only on the second song which is 10 mins long but I love this album. Great for background. Perfect middle-ground vibe. Not too chill, not too energetic.

surprising would re-listen i wish i could do 1/2 stars 4.5