★SteepleChase
Song For Biko
"Repress of Johnny Dyani's 1979 LP Song for Biko, recorded in the summer of 1978 with the powerful front line-up of Don Cherry and Dudu Pukwana, the album was dedicated to the martyred South African activist against apartheid Steve Biko (1946-1977). Johnny Mbizo Dyani (bassist/composer) was born in East London, South Africa in 1945 and became one of South Africa's most internationally acknowledged musicians. Since his arrival in England in 1965 as a member of South African jazz group called The …
Afrika
2024 Stock. Reissue on 180 grams vinyl. For “Afrika”, originally released in 1984, South African expatriate bassist Johnny Dyani enlarged his group to a septet from the quartet formation he had used on prior Steeplechase recordings and, in the process, shifted gears slightly from the deeper, beautifully bitter songs that had been his forte (such as “House Arrest” on Mbizo) to a somewhat lighter fare, replete with catchy, skipping melodies and funky electric bass. Dyani unfortunately passed away …
The Traveller
One of the best of vibraphonist Khan Jamal's SteepleChase albums, this set matches Jamal with the great South African bassist Johnny Dyani, and drummer Leroy Lowe. Together they interpret five of Jamal's originals (plus John Coltrane's "Equinox"), performing colorful inside/outside music full of surprises and variety. Out of the 70s and 80s’ super creative Philadelphia jazz scene emerged Khan Jamal (b. 1946) the vibraphonist to grab the attention of world jazz audiences. He was a key figure in S…