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Songs For Mbizo

Songs For Mbizo
15 Tracks 1 Disc
  • 1. The White Side Of Black
  • 2. Rivers
  • 3. Lullaby For Ephraïm
  • 4. Panontigri
  • 5. Part 1: Morning
  • 6. Part 2: Invitation
  • 7. Part 3: Village Dance
  • 8. Song For Mbizo part I
  • 9. Blowin' Your Bow To The Berimbob
  • 10. Berimbau
  • 11. Shaya Sebothane
  • 12. Dance Of The Mulatos
  • 13. Monody In A Moonlit Night
  • 14. Song For Mbizo part II
  • 15. November 30th
  • "This is an example of how you compose a CD and how you keep it interesting until the ultimate second. "
    Sim Simons in "Muziek, een Privilege" (Belgium), September 1991



  • "Dyani's death in 1988 provoked a remarkable number of albums paying respect to his memory and example. ‘Songs
    For Mbizo' can hold its head up next to the best of those tributes. "
    Barry Witherden in "The Wire" (U.K.), October 1993



  • "Buy a Belgian beer, turn down the lights, and listen to the piano while David Linx sings ‘Song for Mbizo'. "
    L. S. in "The Improvisor", volume X, 1993



  • "Belgian pianist/percussionist Chris Joris recorded these sessions with tubaist Bob Stewart and South African bassist
    Johnny (Mbizo) Dyani back in 1976. Sadly, Dyani passed away in 1988, while additional tracks emanating from 1991
    sessions featuring Stewart and a conglomerate of European artists round out this effort.

    Joris' knowledge and implementations of wide ranging rhythmic structures come to fruition on this gem of a release.
    Throughout these pieces, Joris performs on berimbau (including a lovely duet with Stewart), various percussion
    instruments, ethnocentric flutes, and piano. As a pianist the artist generally hits the right notes, or sweet spots via
    harmonically rich block chords and Bill Evans-ish right hand leads. However, his shrewd arrangements and clever
    integrations of sonorous horn parts with world groove percussion romps provide many of the highlights. The piece
    titled "Dance of the Mulatos," features Steve Houben's enchanting flute work coupled with the septet's budding
    undercurrents and breezy arrangements. Many of these works boast world beat rhythms of various flavors and colors,
    whereas Joris' compositions generally contain memorably melodic choruses amid a few stirring ballads and rousing
    opuses. Joris isn't that well known here in the states but has been garnering percussion-based awards over in Europe
    while fronting various ensembles. To a certain extent, Joris was ahead of his time and now's your chance to find out why. Passionately recommended."
    Glenn Astarita, allaboutjazz.com






    sessions from 1976 and 1991 (reissue)
    lieu d'enregistrement : 1976 : Brugge (B), by Ron Cottam; 1991 : Herent (B), by Allan Ward

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