ArtistInfo

Gideon "Mgibe" Nxumalo
Gideon Plays

Album ZA 1968 on JAS Pride label
Jazz (Cape Jazz)

It is very rare, at least in the Republic of South Africa, that a fully fledged musician of the "Swing Era" decides to try his hand at one of the more modern types of music. Well this miracle has happened! And who is this Swing Era Musician? None other than Mackay Davashe. "Mac", I said to him one day, "I've been asked to compile a disc that will have a selection of pop, jazz and African flavoured music!... you prepared to try your hand at it?" "Sure laddie", the man said, "provided you've got the music written down". "Will do", I countered, "and by the way this music must be rehearsed and recorded within a week". His jaw dropped at that, but we made it. Another character is Dennis Nene. He's an old side-man of mine — one of the first, if not the first African musician to play jazz on a flute. "Dennis", I said to him. "Yeah Bro. kid", he queried. "We're recording on Saturday morning." "Suits me" — and that was that. My regular drummer, Abel Maleka, was not available but we got an able substitute in the person of Gordon Mjandu. He's just lapped up the music like he was weaned on it. People reckon I'm a mini guy, but there's one even minier by the name of Shakes Mgudlwa. After listening to the proposition he just yelled "Sure Bro. kid, when do you want to start?" "Now", I said. He shared piano, and organ with me. Swinging cat that guy! Maurice "Nto" Manana has been my regular bassist for the last umpteen years. When he started off he could not read music; just played by ear. Today, though, he's at home with Staff Notation as a fish is with water. There was no problem rounding him up as he's practically my shadow! Where you see Gideon, you can be sure Maurice is not far away; they say ("They" ?... Fans). Well I'm just me. I had to jump from piano to organ, harpsichord, electric piano; the works — besides writing, cursing (during rehearsals) conducting, and what have you. But we made it. Don't you think so? I think all these cats who played with me are great. Real great! Hope you like the selection. It's a Hodge Podge — "Max Masala", you know — but I tried to please everybody. How far have I succeeded ? — you're the judge! You tell!!

Musicians

	Gideon "Mgibe" Nxumalo p, electric piano, harpsichord, organ, piano, liner notes, album by, composed by
	Maurice "Nto" Manana bass
	Gordon Mjandu drums
	Dennis Nene ts, flute
	Shakes Mgudlwa , organ, piano
	Mackay Davashe ts, 1920-1972 ZA tenor saxophone

Composers

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Acknowledgements

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