Home Is Where The Music Is

How can I not rate an album by a fellow Hugh anything but a 5. This was a really great jazz album that I enjoyed on my car ride home from Michigan. Very talented artists!

Each song just builds and builds. Such skill.

I can't say I've had a proper introduction to fusion, and the kind of sounds to emerge from the scene in the decade after this album is something I'm still not a great fan of. But this is fusion I can get behind (fusion lite?) It showcases a wide range of styles. Traditional bebop, elements of big band swing, with some great funk spice added on with electric piano (Part of a Whole, Inner Crisis), contrasted with a little detuned piano for a more New Orleans sound (Maseru), a little Guaraldi-style piano (Minawa), Sketches of Spain-era Miles Davis (Unhome), hard bop (The Big Apple, Nomali), touching into free jazz (Blues for Huey), more spacious, atmospheric sounds (Maesha-best track on the album for me), and ending with a more traditional Afrobeat (Ingoo Pow-Pow). Not a weak song in the mix. Wonderful album.

Wicked good. Enough said

Good funky jazz

Great jazz album with fun percussion

Really terrific jazz album. Great beats, fantastic melodies and riffs, and a ton going on. Could be great background music or something to really focus on.

Incredible stuff here. Wonderful lazy groove for a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Wow what a whiplash to get this after NIN. Never change, generator. I think I'm falling for jazz. I don't know if I'm smart or sophisticated enough to exactly *appreciate* jazz to its fullest, but I certainly like the way most of it sounds. It's just fun to chill with. Some jazz blends into the background for me, and this one is no exception, but it definitely pulls me back suddenly with some of the faster and more complex arrangements. This never got boring to me - It's unafraid to suddenly switch up the rhythm and beat, and even threw in some African influenced sounds too. Maseru is especially great! I love its fast and almost chaotic atmosphere. Overall this is a funky, bluesy, jazzy and simply wonderful record. Favourite: Maseru

"BossaJazzFunk" -My uncle

Hugh masekela Cool album. I liked Nomali. Love the trumpet/ sax harmonies on the Melodys. I like how they left in them joking after the drum solo on Huey’s blues Maesha is cool. The groove in the last song is awesome. Not a fan of the panning on the drum solo though it’s so unnecessary and random. The last few songs are the best. If I had it on vinyl it might listen to side 4 the most.

Nothing wrong with a little smooth jazz in your life. You want to make a baby. This is your album. You need to relax in a candle lit bath. Hugh's your man. This man pretty much invented Lofi beats to study to. It's a great album if you need something to just relax and soothe you.

Holy shit. This is fantastic. So glad to know about this.

A seriously good album by an excellent musician

very nice

Wow, I had not heard of Hugh Masekela before and boy have I been missing out. This is instantly going on my rotation list

Funky jazz, insane Freeform session.

This was brilliant. Really, really great jazz to spend on an afternoon of work. Favorite track: Inner Crisis

I wasn't familiar with Masekela. He fits right in with Fela Kuti. Sweet, sweet groves.

Väldigt mysig jazz

This one was new to me. I was entranced by this one. The fusion of afro-beat and 70s soul works, and I will have to spend more time with this release. Whether it stands the test of time remains to be seen, but it is unbelievably impressive.

FUCK. YES. Yeeeeesssssssssssss I've not heard this before but I love Grr from a decade earlier. This is pure joy, cannot express how much more enjoyable a listen this was than yesterday. Every track just a pleasure, and so warm. Smiles. Right up there with my favourite new listens on this journey.

Bright, cheery, hopeful and spiritual. As Jean-Michel Basquiat once said, “Art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.” Home Is Where The Music Is decorated my space and time in an otherworldly and positive sense.

so nicee

Was not ready for this. Wow.

Brilliant.

sonzao cremoso, jazz muito diferenciado

amaaaazing!!!!

This was new to me, and I loved it. So many different styles were skillfully blended. Proof that jazz is more than just an American artform.

Yes. More jazz please. That was Awesome. Will listen again.

Gorgeous! I haven't heard it before, but I'll definitely add it to my jazz collection.

Jazz is fresh

This is an absolutely superb album. Not familiar with Hugh Masekela, and not an authority on jazz by any means, but this strikes me as being up there with the likes of Miles Davis. A number of tracks veer into jazz-rock territory but the more interesting end of the spectrum! I could listen to this again and again!

Kwaliteit jazz album. Erg blij met deze introductie. Is wel iets wat ik zou aanraden aan iemand die niet van jazz houdt, is ook nog aardig toegankelijk

nice

Soothing. Highlights: Part Of A Whole

Good I mean what do you say? This record really encapsulates 1970s New York in a cinematic way. You can see where Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band get their inspiration. Directly or indirectly cuz this shit sounds like 70s New York.

Never heard of Hugh Masekela until today, and I'm grateful for this experience! Part Of A Whole was a great intro. Lots of dynamic sound was giving me PAO vibes. The second song, Minawa, is a gem that fuels my soul. This is the stuff that warms my heart, encourages me to enjoy life, and allows me to slow down and really feel all there is to feel. In the first half of Minawa, the balance between silence and the peaceful melody of Minawa brought tears to my eyes more than once. I'll definitely listen to this song again next time I go for a walk on a beautiful breezy day. There were a few times throughout the album where it got a bit too "jazzy chaos" for me, but those moments were short-lived and usually endcapped by the theme of the song.

'Where the Music Is' If anyone asked for an introduction into Jazz/Afrobeat music I would exclaim this album. It's digestible in a way that I feel most Jazz can leave me behind. It had a fantastic rhythm, wonderful showcase moments for the talented musicians. I will revisit this one for moments of work, relaxation, cooking, and elevator music.

Wow, so good. I didn't know this guy by name but I'll definitely look for more. This was perfect atmosphere for physical work. It made me feel loose and care-free. Afrofusion jazz has great rhythm and play.

Jazz

A beautiful, piano and horn driven Jazz album. Soft music for a snowy day or a Sunday drive. Thom Jurek of Allmusic stated: "Home Is Where the Music Is, is a stone spiritual soul-jazz classic, that melds the sound of numerous emerging jazz schools in its pursuit of musical excellence; it succeeds on all counts and is one of the greatest recordings in Hugh Masekela's long career. In a year full of amazing titles, this is still a standout." I couldn’t agree more. The song Minawa was beautiful.

Pure heat from front to back.

Not my favourite kind of jazz.. still amazing tho

I learned about Hugh Masekela a few years ago and I’ve been loving him. Great music to put on while relaxing on a Sunday. There's a lot of playful music here, some really sweet and tender melodies and other tracks that are just flat-out beautiful. And all-around sublime playing from the whole band. Hugh Masekela is incredible -- he absolutely shreds on the title track! The singing on the last track “Ingoo Pow-Pow” is wild! I love that. Personal fun fact: One of the most fun things about planning our wedding was picking out all the music and our DJs gave us a worksheet to fill out so we could choose songs for all the major moments that call for music. For the entrance of the bridal party at the start of the reception I picked Hugh Masekela's version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (not on this album but highly recommended). It's such a fun, high energy version of that song.

I loved this! It really set the tone for a lovely rainy Sunday. "Blues For Huey" made me think that we need more drum solos, like, in general. I will definitely be revisiting this album.

Fire Repress needed

Kuulostat helvetin 15-vuotiaalta, joka on juuri ostanut ensimmäisen lentävän V:n. Tiedän, että luulet minun kaltaisteni, jotka todella soittavat musiikkia, aivan alemmalla tasolla kuin sinä, koska voit heitellä näitä Mustainen kaltaisia ilkeitä kitaristeja ja sanoa, että ovat super hyviä. Hän, voit jopa nimetä joitain tekniikoita, jotka ovat hyviä sinulle. Tämä ei ole mikään vitun kilpailija. On tosiasia, että jos osaat soittaa jazzia, voit soittaa mitä tahansa. On niin monia metallibändejä, jotka uppoavat jazziin tästä syystä. Sillä on makua, se vaatii laajaa teoriatietoa, eikä se kuulosta siltä, että joku ärtyisä kiinni olisi kirjoittanut pieniä pentatonisia nuolentoja kuunneltuaan Rust in Peacea ensimmäisen kerran. Mene vittuun ja lopeta musiikista keskusteleminen, koska et tiedä mistä vitusta puhut. part of a whole

Great Jazz record. Had a really enjoyable time with this on in the bckrnd

I loved this all the way through. Was perfect for a rainy San Diego day.

This caught me completely off guard! Apparently South Africa’s been hiding a true jazz classic - without ever mentioning it to me. Nothing is rushed as every track takes its time to fully develop and unfold its potential. The production is stellar as well with Makhaya Ntshoko’s drumming blowing me away. I didn’t know that I needed this. But I did.

Some very pleasant jazz! It was new to me and I was glad to meet it.

Smooth, rich, and wonderful. Made me feel good. Home IS where the music is. Heart!

Phenomenal.

Perfect 70s jazz for both background and active listening. Really glad I heard this one in the last few years!

Really fantastic stuff. 5 stars.

wow I didn't expect to ever like a jazz album as much as I did this one. highly recommend

10/17/22 Beautiful album. Zoned out to it

Comforting jazz, very smooth, loved every minute of it. Musical excellence.

Honestly? Just an excellent record… gotta give this a 5… don’t @ me

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.

Beautiful album. Complex and fun. It is awesome how the trumpet leads the way until the end.

This is a fantastic album. Really great synergy with the band. Super fun and nothing negative to say

this was really nice! i dont really know anything about jazz, but i found this great to listen to.

Very nice album, loved the funky parts but overall nice jazz record

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.

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.

Loved it

This has no right to be as great as it is.

Wow! I was blown away by this album, really good!

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.

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

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.'

Beautiful and homely, feel reeeeal cozy listening to it

beautiful!

Really liked this album

Fantastic jazz album! What a trumpet player. This album felt pretty heavy for jazz, and I'm all about it.

Bom demais! Álbum de desfrutes: solos e improvisos sensacionais.

Não conhecia esse álbum, foi simplesmente sublime. Um álbum experimental para se deliciar.

Love this jazz. Puts me in a good mood

Nice and smooth. Great album!

Just fantastic, smooth, and enjoyable to listen to.

Sehr guter Jazz mit Trompete.

Hugh can blow with the best of 'em. Perfection.

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.

Very nice 70s jazz.

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.

Great afro Jazz!

Was not aware of this before but it sure has the sound of a classic. Loved it.

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.

C😎😎L

indeed

First track 5 mics. Second track outstanding chill. Third track groovy. Trumpet solos are tolerable. Didn’t keep more notes on the remaining tracks.

This. Is. GREAT. Big fan of this kind of jazz, had never heard this before.

Sublime

Great Album, like the funky tunes. Unbelievable I missed this artist until now.

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.

Awesome jazz album. Great for active or passive listening.

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

Awesome

Good Jazzish style music makes you feel like you're in a different time.

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.

Great horn jazz with some funk

Amazing!

This was excellent.

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.

!!Trumpet Jazz

Great bit of jazz

Some cool classic jazz here, first track for me. 4/5

7/10 - I'm a jazz fan so naturally this spoke to me more than other albums. Groovin the whole way through.

WOW I’m having so much fun this is great. Feeling like I’m in a gelato shop.

I love you, jazz music... Favorite tracks: The Big Apple, Maseru.

Extremely enjoyable.

фьюжн мне нравится больше, чем олдскульный джаз, ну и в целом красивый альбом, под конец только подзатянут

Приколдесно

Listened to on my 7.1 channel surround sound set up. Home is Where The Music Is strikes an excellent balance between jazz so smooth and comfortable that it's easy to lay back and enjoy, while simultaneously being filled with such in your face, apparent talent that it stays engaging throughout. It's a wonderful yin yang--I can imagine throwing on this album in the background just to have some music going during a social gathering, yet it's within the lush complexities that I find myself so eager to focus and listen. 'Nomali' was a personal favorite track of mine, with a groovy rhythm giving ground to fun melodic and solo explorations on the horns, and though a drum solo is not so unexpected on a jazz album, I was surprised to hear it carry itself throughout the near-entirety of 'Blues for Huey', even as the rest of the band found itself coming back in with their own little scattered melodies. 'The Big Apple' has such a funky, ear worm rhythm to it courtesy of a excellent piano riff that makes it a fun on to return to. Gosh, just skipping around these tracks as a refresher for the writing of this review so evidently and plainly showcases not just the talent of performance on display from trumpeter Hugh Masekela and his band, but also the variety from track to track, whether that be in terms of the vibe or energy. This is just a great piece of jazz. The only fault I can attribute to it as of now is it's length, coming in at an hour and seventeen minutes, and while it doesn't deal much in repetition, it still feels just a little long, at least if you aren't a total jazz guy (I am not). Still, I can see myself easily returning to this album over time, and I wouldn't be surprised if down the line this became a big favorite of mine.

This was pretty great. Never heard of the artist but will listen for more. Kind of like jazz fusion with an afrobeat.

Never heard before - great stuff!

Great tunes in the car en route to IKEA. Sent me into the most delicious micro nap and subsequently jolted me back awake.

Kumalalakumalalalaakumalasabesta

375

Very chilled album, won’t get played a lot but I enjoyed it

Two non-Anglo albums in a row? In MY 1001? I don’t believe it Pretty hard to hate well executed jazz, especially when it’s got such a unique sound to it. There’s some really lovely tracks on here, with my favorite being Nomali; I just really like how that song keeps its identity as a ballad while being so happy and bright. I like the variety, with there being some straightforward songs on here and some more freeform tracks rather than all of the same. Don’t have a whole lot of complaints, other than maybe wanting there to be more tracks and less runtime on a select few since they run a bit long at times. Have said before that jazz is a genre I will always like and not love, and I have to unfortunately lump this in Definitely not an album you’ll see a whole lot of discussion for, but this was a genuine treat for how unique and out of the way this is, and there’s a 0% chance I woulda found this without the list. Really hope we get more international albums

Yummy!

This was really enjoyable. I don't think I understand enough about jazz to appreciate it in the way it deserves, but jazz musicians are phenomenal (I mean really, just, how!!), and this album is really neat to listen to, so I'm going with it's impressive.

A really solid Masekela outing, though not sure why this one rather than any other. Probably hidden depths that are yet to reveal themselves to me - must listen again.

i like jazz and this album was very jazzy, but it honestly didn't stand out too much

Why, yes, thank you. I would like to listen to this album again. Not the most innovative jazz or anything, but a great little album. Less than 4 stars, but more than 3.5

Wasn't sure what I was getting into here, but a thoroughly enjoyable hour or so was had. Shades of Sun Ra and Miles Davis means it sits firmly in my wheelhouse, and it's evident that this album would be a massive influence on modern jazz fusion. Goes on the buy list. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ ★★★★☆ (7/10) Total reviewed : 354 Already owned : 78 Purchased : 16 To buy : 4 Nope : 256

This album is jazzy goodness.

Love it!! Fantastic performances. Masekela’s crew is funky and aggressive. Driving rhythms and tight coordination are the signature of this group — but every once-in-awhile they throw a curveball that makes you wonder “what is that doing here?!? Does that fit?” And, of course it does! Masterful. This could become a favorite with more listens. For now, it’s a 4.

I liked this a fair bit, very chill but lots of great jazzy ideas. It just flows really well and has a very timeless feel to it. I love a good instrumental album, and this delivers spot on. Wasn't huge on some of the more drum heavy sections and it did start to drag a bit towards the very end. Otherwise, good stuff. Fav Track: Nomali

Pretty gosh darn good. I should also keep his other album "Tomorrow" in mind. I got a taste of it and I ought to get through the rest of it whenever I get the chance.

The surprise here is genuine — a record this good, sitting this quietly in the catalog, not quite a household name outside of jazz circles. Home Is Where The Music Is is a live double album recorded at Ronnie Scott's in London, and it has all the occupational hazards of that format: extended passages that meander, moments where the band is finding rather than delivering, connective tissue between the peaks. None of that is disqualifying. The peaks are excellent enough to carry it. Those peaks are specific. Big Apple and Inner Circle are where the Afrobeat and Soul Jazz tags on the record become most literal — the ensemble stops exploring and commits to a pocket, and when Masekela's flugelhorn settles into that groove the whole thing locks in with a satisfying completeness. Nomali is a different kind of pleasure, warmer and more lyrical. Maesha earns its runtime by actually going somewhere over the course of the track — evolving rather than repeating, which is the distinction between live jazz that takes you somewhere and live jazz that simply continues. Ingot Pow-Pow closes things out as the outlier, interesting without fully connecting, which is an honest ending for a record that never pretended to be perfect front to back. Masekela's horn playing throughout sits in the lyrical, accessible tradition — melodic presence rather than virtuosic display, ensemble-first in the way that the best jazz always is. The band is the instrument; the trumpet is the voice. A strong four that earns its place in the high-probability Latin and African zone this project has been quietly building. The only surprise is not having found it sooner.

This is just some really lovely jazz that is really nice to have on during a long commute. Nothing mind-blowing, but it is a really good time.

5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background

pretty cool mix of styles while still being easy to listen too

Another album that was so much better than expected. I was figuring this would be light pop-jazz or jazz-pop à la Herb Alpert. Instead, we get an actual jazz album with good playing and improvisation from Masekela and his sidemen, with stretched out tunes rather than the radio-friendly ready-mades characteristic of Alpert. I would listen to this again, I might actually seek it out to purchase it, and I would be interested in exploring the rest of his catalog.

Good jazz. Nice mix of slow “kind of Blue” and bop. 1 stand out song had neat breathing/horn cadence.

I had this one over the weekend. Listened to it a couple of times. To be frank, the first time I wasn't paying as much attention to it as I normally do to these. But on Saturday, I listened again and rather enjoyed it. I can rarely put my finger on what it is about certain jazz albums that I enjoy. So, I'm not going to attempt to summon up the words on this. It's cool though. This will end up in the "gotta listen again" pile.

Really like this, loads of interesting ideas and textures. My kind of jazz.

This is such elite background music for work. I'm so partial to trumpet and this sort of easy jazz. I'd love this on vinyl. One of the only albums where I haven't minded how long each song is!

I think I wasn't in the mood for this for the first half of the album. I paused it and returned and found the second half more to my liking - nice and soothing for this savage beast. I will likely want to revisit this jazz album and hope I'm in the right mood for both halves.

A nice surprise with this little beauty- wow, “Minawa” what an excellent track, reminds me of Miles Davis Kinda blue, I’ve downloaded the album, loved it -the sound is so pure 🍀

Lovely jazz album! I am still a beginner on this genre of music, with my knowledge being mainly the big names like Coltrane. This was right in my comfort zone on chill vibes with a little virtuosity.

Great jazz album Favorite track(s) Part Of A Whole The Big Apple

Enjoyed this! Opening was like hearing Zero 7’s influences before other tracks were clearly much more experimental. Will definitely listen again and get to know it better.

Second jazz album in a row, but this time, I'm less knowledgeable of what they've done. This is a really nice and diverse set of jazz tracks, and a very enjoyable listen.

Fantastic.

Divino.

Overall I really liked it! It was good jazz, not super experimental, but solid. It was also raw, sounding like it came straight out of a jazz club rather than a studio. I'll listen again.

Rate: 8/10.

V nostalgic to what my grandparents listened to growing up

This one hit today. Scramble time at the brewery, I’m multi tasking, I hit the perfect flow state with this shit playing on the PA. It was a 4 star experience for sure

Don’t you think that sounds good? Then tell me what does.

Very nice

Wow. Never been a huge jazz guy, but the sound here was so tight and good. Perfect background music. I mean that as a compliment.

Long, but super fun tracks! Seems like a really fun album to sample from. Lots of great horn lines.

Classic South African music from a true South African legend

jazz sempre é bom

It’s good. I just felt waaay too stressed hearing this and it just made me even more stressed out. Definitely will give a listen again

Wow! What great jazz album.

Excellent palette cleanser. Will return. Favorite track, Maseru.

Pretty decent 4/5

8-9/10

very nice, fully instrumental, no lyrics. great for switching off and just relaxing....or background for working

Это просто замечательный джазовый альбом. Мне он крайне понравился, особо отмечу африканские мотивы, которые ловко вплетены в классический джаз. Это сложная музыка, которая тем не менее звучит непринужденно и дружелюбно.

A triumphant jazz album. Perhaps my favorite jazz album I've encountered on this project. The horns and sax are always so good. The final song didn't really land for me, but nearly everything else did.

Fun!

(5/7) maybe I was in a good mood but this is some of the better jazz we've listened to, methinks

Heerlie hoor

One thing I learned from this project is that I really enjoy Afro Cuban jazz. While this may not be the best of the albums from this style I’ve heard, it is still very enjoyable.

This record really pulled me in. I don’t quite know what Afro-beat is, but I know it’s jazzy and I like it. Listened to this on my drive to Big Sur from San Luis Obispo today and it really fit the mood. 4/5

A great mix of sometimes chilled out, sometimes even unnerving pieces. Will return to for sure.

A moving jazz record

You know when you phone a very exclusive (read expensive) place such as Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland (three golf courses) and to help you, after much apologising, they put you on hold and you wait for the appalling hold music but this comes on and so you are genuinely surprised and it holds your attention for the two minutes it takes reception to find the answer to your query and you are disappointed when a real human gets back on the line because the music was so good. Well this is that music. Should offend no-one, apart from the drum solo on track 7 that is about 5:25 to long, and a good listen but not something you would be left humming tomorrow. All well and good apart from track 10 because that is a children's song and everyone knows children should be seen and not heard. We can't have that sort of carry on around here thank you very much.

Part of a Whole - 4/5 Minawa - 4/5 The Big Apple - 4/5 Unhome - 3/5 Maseru - 4/5 Inner Crisis - 4/5 Blues for Huey - 3.5/5 Nomali - 3.5/5 Maesha - 3.5/5 Ingoo Pow-Pow - 3.5/5 A more structured form of jazz, even though he lets some of it go free in a few tracks to his detriment. Good as lounge or background music but doesn't give enough of that "oomph" to boost it up to the top. Overall: 4/5 Favorites: Part of a Whole, Maseru

great elevator ride

Espectacular álbum, gran acompañante de momento especiales. La trompeta es la estrella principal. No hace falta grandes voces para un gran álbum. Lo viejo funciona Juan, y lo simple también.

i like this type of Jazz!

Not usually that into jazz, but this was pleasant.

What a cool find. Great melodies

Jazz?! Afrobeat?! Yes please!

the album as a whole might be a bit long, but It's nice when the music is just kinda jamming out for an extended period of time

So so

Would like to listen again

Bops Bigly

very relaxing to work to. like actually i think there's something in this that makes it easier to do my work. Especially Maesha. That was really good. I did my taxes to that.

Jazzy

Very good listen

Ya like jazz? I mean, I probably wouldn't say yes but I did really like this.

Ah yes, this music reminds me of the good old days when I would write communist literature whilst sipping on White Russians at my favorite Bellingham jazz club.

Ingoo Pow Pow was awful but I really enjoyed the rest of this album. Great mix of jazz and blues vibes. Great for a rainy day cigarette out on the porch.

Great jazz album with some excellent beats. It does drag on a bit at times, but overall it's some smooth and excellent listening.

## Overview *Home Is Where The Music Is* is a sprawling double album recorded in January 1972 at London's Island Studios during Masekela's exile from apartheid-era South Africa. Released on Chisa/Blue Thumb Records, the album represents a pivotal moment in the trumpeter's career—marking his departure from the pop-jazz crossover attempts of the late 1960s (following his hit "Grazing in the Grass") toward a more authentic, exploratory fusion of South African musical traditions with American jazz, soul, and funk . --- ## The Music & Production ### Sonic Architecture The album's production is notable for its organic, live-in-the-studio feel. The ensemble—featuring Masekela on flugelhorn, South African saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, drummer Makhaya Ntshoko, American pianist Larry Willis (who also contributed on Wurlitzer electric piano), and bassist Eddie Gomez—creates a sound that is simultaneously tight and exploratory . The production balances the warmth of acoustic instruments with the emerging electric textures of early-1970s jazz fusion. Larry Willis's electric piano work on tracks like "Part of a Whole" and "Maesha" adds a soulful, almost psychedelic dimension that complements the African rhythmic foundations . ### Composition & Arrangement The album features material primarily written by Caiphus Semenya (five tracks), with additional compositions from Miriam Makeba ("Umhomé"), Larry Willis ("Inner Crisis"), and Masekela himself ("Maseru"). This collaborative approach creates a rich tapestry of voices while maintaining thematic coherence . The arrangements are sophisticated yet accessible—ostinato grooves provide hypnotic foundations over which the soloists weave intricate improvisations. The album moves fluidly between uptempo, danceable numbers and contemplative ballads, creating a dynamic listening experience across its 76-minute runtime . --- ## Lyrical Content & Themes ### The Exile Experience The album's title itself is a profound statement: "Home Is Where The Music Is" redefines the concept of home not as a fixed geographic location but as a portable cultural practice. For Masekela—who had been in exile since the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre—this was deeply personal. The music becomes a sanctuary, a way to maintain connection to South African identity while physically displaced . ### Linguistic Fusion The lyrics blend English with Xhosa and other South African vernaculars, prioritizing evocative expression over explicit political agitation. This multilingual approach emphasizes cultural continuity and human adaptability. Rather than descending into lamentation, tracks like "Umhomé" channel the disorientation of exile into rhythmic vitality—transforming pain into joy through musical resilience . ### Cultural Synthesis The album embodies what critic Thom Jurek called "spiritual soul-jazz"—a meeting point between South African township jazz (marabi, kwela influences), American hard bop, soul, and the emerging Afrobeat sound. This synthesis serves as both artistic statement and political act: by creating beauty from hybridity, Masekela demonstrates the richness that emerges when cultures connect rather than segregate . --- ## Standout Tracks - **"Part of a Whole"** (Caiphus Semenya): The opening track establishes the album's template—an infectious ostinato groove with sophisticated harmonic movement. Masekela's flugelhorn tone is warm and vocal-like, while the ensemble interplay is telepathic . - **"Inner Crisis"** (Larry Willis): Often cited as the album's highlight, this track features a Curtis Mayfield-esque soulfulness. The electric piano work creates a dreamy, dark atmosphere that builds into funky release—a perfect example of the album's emotional range . - **"Maesha"** (Caiphus Semenya): At nearly 12 minutes, this is the album's epic centerpiece. It moves from a rainy, introspective opening to an uptempo groove, showcasing the ensemble's ability to sustain interest through extended improvisation . - **"Ingoo Pow-Pow (Children's Song)"**: The closing track is the most overtly African, featuring vocals in indigenous languages and a jungly drum introduction. It serves as a powerful reminder of the cultural roots underlying the entire project . --- ## Critical Reception & Influence ### Contemporary Response Upon release, the album was praised in jazz publications for its vibrant fusion and rhythmic innovation. Critics noted that the ensemble's drive revitalized Masekela's sound after his pop detours . ### Retrospective Assessment The 2008 Verve Records reissue prompted renewed critical attention. AllMusic awarded it 5/5 stars, calling it "one of the greatest recordings in Hugh Masekela's long career" . The album was also included in the book *1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die*, cementing its status as a fusion classic . ### Influence The album stands as a crucial document of the African jazz diaspora, influencing subsequent generations of musicians exploring transatlantic connections. Its success demonstrated that jazz fusion could be substantive rather than merely commercial, and that political content could be conveyed through musical beauty rather than explicit sloganeering . --- ## Pros | Strength | Description | |----------|-------------| | **Ensemble Chemistry** | The combination of South African and American musicians creates a genuine dialogue rather than cultural appropriation. Each player is "no less than outstanding" | | **Tonal Range** | Masekela's flugelhorn work is remarkable—his use of half-valve tones and slurs produces a vocal-like expressiveness | | **Compositional Depth** | Caiphus Semenya's writing provides sophisticated structures that balance accessibility with improvisation | | **Emotional Resonance** | The album channels exile and displacement into uplifting, life-affirming music | | **Production Values** | The live studio sound captures the spontaneity of performance while maintaining clarity | | **Historical Significance** | A crucial document of apartheid-era exile and cultural resistance | --- ## Cons | Weakness | Description | |----------|-------------| | **Length** | At 76 minutes across 10 tracks, some listeners find the album "too long and repetitive" | | **Drum Sound** | Some critics note the drum recording quality is subpar—"a rock kit available in the London studio, kickdrum as dead as a concrete post" | | **Stylistic Consistency** | A few tracks ("Maseru," "Blues for Huey") are considered weaker than the album's highlights | | **Accessibility** | For listeners seeking edgy, funky jazz, some tracks may feel "light" or "inoffensive" compared to contemporaries like Miles Davis's electric period | | **Muffled Mastering** | The original recording has been described as "a bit muffled," requiring treble boosting on some reissues | --- ## Conclusion *Home Is Where The Music Is* is a landmark achievement in jazz fusion and world music. It succeeds not by diluting its influences but by allowing them to converse as equals—South African rhythms meet American harmonic sophistication, exile meets celebration, tradition meets innovation. While the album's length and occasional unevenness may deter casual listeners, those who invest the time discover a work of remarkable depth and humanity. Masekela's assertion that home resides in music rather than geography remains profoundly moving—a testament to art's power to create belonging in the face of displacement. For anyone interested in the intersection of jazz, African music, and political art, this album is essential listening .

que joyaaaa porque no lo haia escuchado antes? the big apple fue mi top. sin duda la tendré que escuchar para una tarde de vino

Why can't I just be at Herr Nilsen in Oslito listening this music live?

embarrassed to admit i don’t listen to jazz quite as much as i should! i am a big fan of the genre and this will be a staple in my playlists for sure. a great listen :) hope to see u soon jazz

I can’t explain why I like some jazz and not others. But I like this one

I’ve said before that I don’t understand or appreciate jazz, and so it will have a tough time scoring above a 3 for me. This one did it from the start. Masekela’s trumpet playing is great, the music is perky and upbeat. I have a great deal to learn about jazz, but it’s clear to me that it can be as varied as rock, and I’m interested in learning more. 4/5

They say women respond to jazz and I can confirm!!!! Sexy and fun and soothing to the soul. Played this through to its entirety while taking a shower, grooming myself, and then relaxing. Felt pretty royal. Also listened idly once before fully while winding down properly for the night. I have it saved and will certainly listen again:)

Very groove-able! At times I liked the backing band, especially the pianist, better than the trumpet.

lovely classic versatile trumpet, full of feeling

I'm always a little concerned when Wikipedia tells me the genre is jazz, but this was a pleasant surprise. Some super groovy stuff here!

Overall Rating - 4.15/5 (8.30/10). This is exactly my jam.

Two jazz albums in a row - funny. I liked this one much more. Looks like I prefer the bolder variety. This reminded me of Whiplash.

8/10

Solid jazz album, the songs at the end, though get a little off for me. But I wouldn’t mind listening to one side of this.

This was a nice instrumental jazz album. Probably never would have found this on my own and enjoyed it throughout

Really nice album. The jazz context is very clear, the proto-Afrobeat harder for me to pick out. This is certainly not "trad jazz" of any type that puts me off. (Well there was a drum solo that slightly outstayed its welcome.) Mostly it was very nicely composed, very cool listening. I feel even more positive about it after a little pause, I've come back to say it's Very Good, 8/10.

Beautiful. I think I'm discovering I like jazz through these albums-a-day lol. A lot of beautiful moments in this album like drum fills and solo piano riffs. Minawa and Maseru were my favorites. A very valuable album in my eyes. 7.9/10.

26.03.26 klo 13.49, toimisto, earpods, qobuz hyvää paskaa! neljä tähteä iisisti, nyt tuntuu taas hyvältä idealta jatkaa projektia. the big apple on kova,

A relaxing and enjoyable listen. I added “Minawa” to my Generator playlist.

a surprise. A beautiful surprise

Excellent jazz record. Some really interesting drum and vocal tracks add the Afrobeat vibe to beautiful brass lines.

Great jazz, maybe not making move that much. Although, in a busy stage of my life, and really contemplating good jazz is not the easiest right nowm

I like this style of jazz

Jazz

I really enjoyed this. Exactly the sort of thing I wanted from this list.

Nice to listen to something new to me that I really got something from. There are a few lulls through the more lounge jazz songs, but the more uptempo numbers here had a good groove to them and still sounded fresh despite being recoded some time ago. The afrobeat influences are really what grabbed me in this and although the western jazz approaches are still dominant, the percussion and some of the brass here reminded me of Fela Kuti and others. Likely bears repeated listens to get the most from it, but one I’ll be going back to.

a tender caress to the heart

I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the instrumental music from this album.

Bellisimo

Very cool

Really like how funky the songs are. Really enjoyed the moments when all the instrumentation comes together ... drums + (electric) piano + horn section is such a powerful combo. Could do without the endless amounts of screeching sax soloing, but somehow that seems to be an Afrobeat staple.

Really liked it, complex and interesting!

Catchy and fun. Would have loved to hear it live

This was a very fun jazz club album. I enjoyed it. Everything here was impressive to listen to. It sounded impressive, but was also super easy to listen to which I think jazz sometimes can struggle with Liked Songs: "Part Of A Whole" , "Minawa" , "The Big Apple" , "Maseru" , "Inner Crisis" , "Nomali" , "Maesha"

Sonorous

Cracking album - just a pure groove. Favourite track: Inner Crisis

Very enjoyable album throughout!

Never knew how much I could enjoy a lyricless jazz album until today. Studied to it and the mix of sombre to upbeat jazz was awesome.

Brother was cookn with this one. Bangers.

I was casually hearing, casually enjoying the jazzy change up, and then High started into trumpet solo on Part of a Whole and I had to stop and listen to it! I have never heard a trumpeter play like that before. Wow! Paired with the slow storytelling in Minawa I was kind of blown away by this album. I also liked the somewhat “sloppy” feel of the Big Apple, which was even more impressive knowing it was intentional to exemplify the stories of NYC. I would have never looked for this album but thoroughly enjoyed the discovery!

Never heard this before.

I had never listened to Hugh before.And am now upset that I hadn't started listening to him earlier. This is a great album for any jazz head out there

Get jazz back on top!

Another perfect morning album! Home is Where the Music Is is such a well-balanced album; it’s sweet, it’s funky, it switches up at the right moment to hold your attention… what more could you want? There was something so delightful about making my coffee this morning with this album floating through my apartment. I think I’ll be coming back to this one!!

I really liked this Jazz record. Made for some excellent night drive music. Just under a 5 for me.

This was another great surprise from this list. Not familiar with Hugh Masekela so this was a good chance to learn something new. I'm also not a fan of jazz, but this wasn't your American dive jazz bar sound, this was full of energy and joy. African Jazz, and Masekela was a pioneer of African jazz. So this guy was a bit of a big deal and worked with popular act like the Byrds and helped carry Paul Simon through his cultural appropriation album Graceland along with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Masekela was also famous for his free Nelson Mandela song "Bring Him Back Home" which is incredibly upbeat for a song about poor Nelson Mandela who had been in jail for over 20 years at that point. After checking out some of his earlier work, this album is so solid. It's next level performance compared to his earlier work which is kinda of all over the place and includes some popular covers. This one is all original, with a good band, and is just professionally polished. Mandela was a fan, and somehow had access to Masekela's music while in jail, and I cannot imagine how it must feel to be in a jail cell and being able to hear this, from a local musician. Again, i'm not a jazz fan, but this was a great listen.

I enjoyed this! I was just thinking we haven’t had any African music yet. I loved the piano and the vocals that came in at the end were great. When the album was more classically jazzy I enjoyed it less- there is a kind of jazz that kind of aimlessly noodles around that annoys me- but fortunately there was only a bit of that here.

I really enjoyed it, liked the afro sounds mixed into jazz, trumpet playing was great. Don’t really know jazz enough to articulate why I like this more than other jazz albums that have been on this list. Would definitely listen again. Added bonus that the guy was a known anti-apartheid artist. Could use some of those right now.

home is where the heart is and my heart is in music so home is where the music is!!!!! FAVS (top 3): part of a whole, minawa, maseru mençoes honrosas: nomali gente um jazz delicioso. eu amo; gostei de ouvir o projeto como um todo, tirando a ultima track q achei meio nada a ve; o album é curtinho de tracks mas é longo de duraçao mas sinceramente nem da pra perceber nota final: 4/5

Some of the jazz from the 70s just has undeniable groove and soul. Each track made me imagine some grainy b-roll footage of a city with boxy cars, flared pants, and swoopy hair. I won't mark this as a 'perfect' record but definitely enjoyed and glad to have learned of it.

I feel like sometimes I listen to jazz too closely and I did just that on my first listen but knew I should’ve been enjoying it more. Second listen I really tried to off my brain and let this become a background track for other things I was focused on and immediately I enjoyed it more. Is that bad? Idk but I think this really scratches an itch especially Blues for Huey. I can see myself returning to this in the future.

A nice surprise

Loved this though I would have cut the last two songs. Great jazz expertly swinging along.

Super varied. Was perfect for a chill Wednesday afternoon.

Drums on "Blues for Huey" are unmatched "Maesha" is really good

Tremendous musicianship, enjoyed this and will return to this album

me gusto BASTANTE lo puse mientras estudiaba mi favorita es unhome

I listened to this twice and still can't decide how much I enjoyed this. I ebbed and flowed with it, overall I got the impression that I enjoyed it, I will need to return in the future.

I appreciated this a bit more than most of the pure jazz albums on the list in that it did a decent job of holding my attention. That's the threshold I have for the genre to justify a four-star review.

I don't really know much about jazz, or the artist, but I loved this.

I don't have the jazz vocabulary to describe why this is a lot more appealing to me than the John Coltrane albums that I listened to a couple of weeks ago, but I think part of it is that there is a level of chaos and dissonance that can push a lot of jazz into the ‘not for me’ zone.

Enjoyed this one. :)

4.0 - Very Good

Classy jazz

Wow, beautiful tone. This was a fun listen.

Having this on in the background was really nice, and you can clearly tell this guy has TALENT, it's a shame they melded into one for me.

jazzy piano, drums, horns. If thats your jam then you are right at home. My issue with a lot of jazz is that its usually one long jam session that gradually changes tempo so its hard to place a specific melody or to pick out a single thing I like. Every track here is pretty distinct, sounds crisp and has an identifiable tone.

What a “horn”y album AMIRITE?!?!?

4.5 stars. Really pleasant bebop/ soothing jazz outta South Africa.

Basically all I want in a jazz album. Recurring drum beat in the background and sick trumpeting

Yeah yeah you know what this fucking slapped

Dale suavecito, Jiu

Cheguei dende o completo descoñecemento e marcho marabillado cun disco de jazz que, pillándome moi lonxe do que adoito escoitar, me tivo atento e fascinado durante a máis de hora e cuarto que dura (malia facérseme un chisco longo, porque me custa manter a concentración nalgo durante tanto tempo). Hai detalliños, coma o ostinato de contrabaixo en 'Unhome', que son sublimes. Pode ser que me pillase de boas ou que só fose a música que hoxe precisaba para evadirme dunha gris xornada laboral, pero foi un gratísimo descubrimento (#16 dos 1.001 discos que escoitar antes de morrer: 4/5)

No conocía este disco y me ha sorprendido muy gratamente. Un jazz divertido y elegante, pero nada complaciente. Más no puedo decir de momento porque tendría que escucharlo doce veces más para escribir bien sobre él.

Loved this. Nice to hear some jazz that isn't experimental and wilfully difficult.

Some nice jazz here.

Love the modal jazz influences here, reinterpreted in an African context. This was a great album to learn about.

70s brassy jazz

Very enjoyable, love the long-format jazz jams.

awesome jammy jazz. last song was very silly

I really liked part of a whole. Smooth Jazz, defs need speakers and some chill time instead of headphones.

Quite enjoying this one. Some psychadelic vibes

Hugh Masekela’s Home Is Where The Music Is pulls off a very neat trick – it’s warm and welcoming, loose, and very groovy, without ever sounding smooth or easy or disposable or, heaven forbid, throwaway. It works anytime of the day you want to play it, and its mischievous melodies and soulful interludes are guaranteed to connect. Home Is Where The Music Is sounds just like the title suggests: hanging out at Hugh’s house, with friends, just playing and enjoying the jams. 8/10

Pretty interesting jazz record, tons of variance and improv and keeps a good beat. Favourite track: Minawa

8/10

This is nice: horn and piano, drums: jazz but always with a solid beat lurking underneath. As always I like the faster bits the best, but even the slow parts work for me on this one. It feels like a soundtrack for a gritty, wistful movie about an imaginary city. I like it and will revisit this record when I'm in the mood for something calm and yet also lively like this. 4 stars

Verrrrry nice morning jazz to listen to

I started listening fairly late and it's over an hour so I thought I'd have to split my listen between tonight and tomorrow, but it really drew me in, smooth and enriching

Good jazz. Would listen again

I usually like my jazz a bit less smooth than this but you know what the more it went on the more I was wondering over, like it worked its way into my subconscious or something. Very enjoyable!

Im not usually into jazz, but this played smoothly for the entire period.

Loved it! I usually pass on jazz. This album’s rhythm section is excellent. First track is a standout for me.

jazz. groovy. chill.

This is only my fourth (or if you want to include A Girl Called Dusty like the Generator does, fifth) jazz album of this journey so far and realizing that made me kind of annoyed. Why do I seemingly get a different new wave or post-punk assignment every single week, while jazz only shows up once in a blue moon? 5:143 seems like a rather minuscule ratio for a genre that has given us some of the most acclaimed albums of all time. Of course, that's on Robert Dimery more than Alexander Nilsson! With that little rant out of the way... I (unsurprisingly) liked Home Is Where the Music Is. I'm a sucker for a good jazz album, what can I say? The opening track ("Part of a Whole") was one of the most memorable I've heard in the genre and there was no shortage of other highlights to be found. I tended to gravitate toward the faster, more upbeat cuts like "Maseru" and "Inner Crisis," though slower, moodier songs like "Minawa" and "Nomali" did the trick just as well. I suppose one of the issues people are going to run into with HIWTMI is that it's a double album and is quite long as a result. The music is also influenced by Afrobeat (a genre that is apparently somewhat repetitive and hypnotic by nature), so many of the tracks end up becoming white noise after a minute or two. In my experience, the ones that didn't put as much effort into commanding my attention were never unpleasant, but also didn't leave much of an impression. Part of me is bummed that there's not another Hugh Masekela Book Album to look forward to, but I suppose I have the freedom to check out whatever else I want from him now! Home Is Where the Music Is was probably also a good primer for the rest of the Afrobeat selections, seeing as its main genre is one I'm already fairly familiar with. Bring on the Kutis, Generator – I'm ready! Highlights: Part of a Whole, Minawa, Maseru, Inner Crisis, Blues for Huey, Nomali, Ingoo Pow-Pow (Children's Song)

straight outta africa

The extent of my Huge Masekela knowledge is vaguely recognizing his name. So, basically, nothing. But this is great from start to finish. Between Home Is Where the Music Is and Abdullah Ibrahim's Water From an Ancient Well, I'm now on my way to pretending I know a modicum about 20th century South African jazz. AREN'T I INTERESTING.

This was a totally unknown album to me, and I mightily enjoyed it. Having been born in Rochester, NY, to parents who loved jazz, including the flugelhorn-playing Chuck Mangione, it was especially interesting to hear someone else play some fantastic jazz flugelhorn. I don't know enough jazz to speak knowledgably on it, but I thought in listening to this that I heard hints of modal, hard bop and soul jazz. In reading reviews, though, it seems the afficionados call this a groove or soul or Afro-jazz album, and I started to wonder if there's any meaningful distinction between any of these things. So, I went back and listened again, just for fun, and it's just a damn fine album. Definitely adding this to my rotation.

This was a very pleasant discovery. I love the way it sounds - it’s really well produced. There are a lot of different styles here and while I might have cut a song or two, I rarely found myself bored, and the last 5 or so songs are great. I really prefer the songs that have florid structures to the few that start/finish with a theme then spend five minutes of passing solos from player to player, but that’s a minor quibble. I will revisit this album.

Pretty solid album. Gets a little extra love for sounding like it belongs on a Mario kart game and being the father of x games commentator Sal masekela

This was a whole weekend ago! Totally forgot, but giving 4 stars be it was probably good.

Perfect for a relaxed Sunday morning. I'm not normally a jazz fan but this jazz/soul/funk was highly enjoyable.

Solid album. Reminds of Freddie Hubbard.

My only exposure to Afrobeat before this was Fela Kuti's Zombie, so this was a nice 2nd dip into the genre. Amazing rhythm section throughout the album.

Another dapper album

I really liked it for background. Cool vibes good jazz, better than others for sure.

pretty good, great first couple of tracks although was not completely focused on second half of the album