Intimacy

Ebony, April, 1994 by Lynn Norment

WORLD-renowned trumpeter Huge Masekela demonstrates his seasoned virtuosity on his latest release, Hope (Triloka). The longtime freedom fighter has pronounced a recording that is reflective of his talent and his social consciousness, for the title refers to the spirit of hope in his native South Africa on the eve of its historic first nonracial elections. Backed by an all-South African band, Masekela is vibrant on "Mandela" and "Uptownship," soulful on "Languta" and "Aban goma (The Healers)," written by Miriam Makeba, and romantic on "Ntyilo Ntyilo (The Love Bird)," a popular South African love song. And there's the easy-flowing "Grazin In The Grass." On all, Masekela is brilliant.

Jody Watley is just as sexy and rhythmic as ever on her latest recording, Intimacy (MCA). Her lyrics, she says, reflect her ongoing quest "to strip away the barriers in love relationships." The prolific and profound Watley co-wrote seven of the 10 songs, including the poignant "When A Man Loves A Woman" and "Ecstasy," a racy dance tune. Watley collaborated with longtime creative partner Andre Cymone on the supermellow "workin' On A Groove," peppered with Tommy Morgan's sweet harmonica, and the sassy, percolating "Are You The One?" On Stevie Wonder's "Too Shy to Say," Watley serenades and on "To be With YOu" she romances. Whatever the mood of your love, Jody Watley has the intimate touch.

Under the direction of producer Frank Wilson, the Gospel Music Workshop of America National Mass Choir has released another superb album, Live In Indianapolis (Benson). The first song, "Jesus, He's The Rock," is an upbeat number featuring soloist Rickey Grundy, while "I'm Packin Up" featuring Dalin Collins. The pace slows a bit on "I've Got Jesus," featuring Deborah Henderson, "Use Me," featuring Neal Jones, "Anticipation," and "Have You Heard About Jesus," which is enhanced with a stirring solo by Eva Sims.

ALSO NOTED: David Murray, Jazzosarus Rex (Red Baron); Thelonious Sphere Monk-Monk's Blues (Columbia/Legacy); Mingus Big Band 93: Nostalgia In Times Square (Dreyfus); Stanley Jordan Bolero (Artista); Buddy Scott, Bad Avenue (Verve); Big Daddy Kimsey, I Am The Blues (Verve); Big, Bad & Blue: The Big Joe Turner Anthology (Atlantic/Atco); Miki Howard, Miki Sings Billie: A Tribute To Billie Holiday (Giant); Dianne Reeves, Art & Survival (EMI); Pointer Sisters, Only Sisters Can Do That (SBK); Zhane, Pronounced Jay-Nay (Motown); Cece Peniston, Thought 'Ya Knew (A&M); Mutaburka, Melanin Man (Shanachie); Us3, Hand On The Torch (Blue Note); Father; Sex Is Law (Uptown); Domiono (Out Burst); Conscious Daughters, Ear 2 That Street (Scarface); II D Extreme (MCA), and North Carolina Mass Choir, Let's Magnify The Lord (CGI).