The African Groove Experience by African Cream Music

Siphamandla Bembe's African Groove Experience a must have in any CD collection

African Cream Music proudly presented its latest South African CD release which combines the talents of one of South Africa's Finest Flugelhorn players, Siphamandla Bembe’s, with those of producer supreme, Thapelo Khomo.

The African Groove Experience is a heart warming blend of African Jazz fusion styles with modern studio technology.

Filled with flugelhorn and swirling keyboards over laid-back foot tapping beats, the result is a smooth and immensely satisfying listening experience.

Siphamandla Bembe is an accomplished flugelhorn player at the top of his game, a veteran of the last two decades of South African Jazz fusion.

He has played in bands led by the likes of Blondie, Ringo and Tsepo Tshola and became a member of legendary and much loved South African outfit, Stimela.

This is Siphamandla Bembe’s first original solo CD release – a cultural celebration of classic South African fusion sounds, inspired and influenced by some of the most iconic musicians of recent years.

Fans of this musical tradition will recognise a number of these different influences – the godfather, “Bra” Hugh Masekela, the seminal Union of South Africa (formed in exile in California and featuring Hugh Masekela and fellow luminaries Jonas Gwangwa, Caiphus Semenya and Joe Sample).

The Movers and the African Jazz Pioneers makes for a fresh release that the at same time sounds wonderfully nostalgic.

The music project is the realisation of a long-held desire of Siphamandla Bembe and Thapelo Khomo to collaborate.

Besides his renown as Stimela’s keyboardlist, the esteemed Thapelo Khomo has cemented a reputation as one of South Africa’s top producers, having won back to back SAMA (South African Music Awards) for “Producer of the Year”.

He now steps into the producer’s role for his old friend, as well as providing his unique and instantly recognisable keyboard playing skills.

The album also features the vocal talents of Sunglen Shabalala, most recently featured on the soundtrack of the Tim Robbins movie “Catch a Fire”.

Our Verdict? An absolute must have for any music enthusiast who enjoys those laid-back evenings where friends come together to groove, lounge and enjoy the contemporary SA music in the background.

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