Music > Live Reviews

Hugh Masekela & Andy Sheppard // Theatre Royal // 21.5.14

20/06/14

You can usually bank on the Norfolk & Norwich Festival to provide some genuinely exciting and different bookings, this year being no exception. Over the past few years I’ve been fortunate enough to see John McLaughlin, Jerry Dammers & Woodkid amongst others so expectations were high. First up was British jazz supremo Andy Sheppard who on his last appearance in Norwich was leading his Saxophone Massive featuring over fifty saxophonists. This time however it was just one man and his sax, and for a disappointingly short 25 minute set he showed exactly why he is one of the country’s leading exponents of jazz. Using some simple looping techniques he built up a gorgeous, almost ambient sound which soared out over the audience. I could have easily listened to more; I have no idea why his set was so short as the whole evening was over by 10.30.

A sprightly Hugh Masekela came onstage backed with a superb 5 piece band and launched straight opening number ‘Languta’ from his 1973 ‘Hedzoleh Soundz’ album. This was township jazz brought to life before our eyes. Tribal rhythms, sinewy bass lines with Hugh singing in his native tongue (err…Xhosa I believe) before he lifted his trumpet to the mic and let rip with a bright clear sound. Superb. I say trumpet but actually he stuck to the flugelhorn all night. Second track ‘Chileshe’ was a slightly more mellow tune and again gave the band the chance to provide expert backing to Hugh’s singing and playing. After a run through of Bob Dylan’s ‘It’s All Over Now Baby Blue’ it was time to take things up a notch as we got into the main part of the set.

‘Stimela’ is one of Hugh’s best known songs, telling the story of migrant workers brought to work in Johannesburg’s mines and once again featured some sublime playing from the main man as the song built to an epic crescendo. Song of the night for me was the cover of Afro-beat legend Fela Kuti’s ‘Lady’. This really was something special and succeeded in getting everyone to their feet and allowed each of the band to showcase their skills with some especially tasty guitar playing from Cameron Ward (looking every inch the hep jazz cat) bringing the funk. An up tempo run through of ‘Thanayi’ led us to the final track of the night, and Hugh’s signature tune, ‘Grazing In The Grass’. A number one hit in the States back in 1968 there was no better way to end the night than on this massive, joyous high. I have never seen the Theatre Royal rocking so hard!

It wasn’t just the music which impressed though, what I hadn’t prepared myself for was just how funny and engaging Hugh was as a bandleader. He told humorous tales and sad stories of growing up in apartheid South Africa, he showed off some impressive dance moves (dude is 75 after all) and involved the audience in some great call and response vocal back and forths. He even joked about taking us on tour with him – shucks.

So, once again the festival provided us with something truly unique and special and it was especially pleasing that the show was a complete sell out. It was no more than Hugh Masekela and his fine band deserved.