Mzansi

Of all the harmonica players who have followed in the footsteps of legendary harmonicist Jean “Toots” Thielemans’ wizardry, Adam Glasser may be the only proponent of this instrument— so little used that it only features in the “Miscellaneous” instruments lexicon of jazz discography and literature—who has brought a truly unique voice and idiomto the constantly evolving language of jazz. Stevie Wonder, Gregoire Maret and Hendrick Meurkens are all virtuosi non-pareil.

Glasser does something more. Glasser has opened up the whole South African music scene to the world, evincing the excitement of itsmusic, from mbqanga jazz to the sophisticated contemporary sonic expeditions that began with Dudu Pukwane and Chris McGregor and continued through the music of Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masekela and the late Bheki Mseleku. The line joining all of these musicians is blurred and curvilinear, but it certainly now draws Adam Glasser into that sanctum sanctorum.
(All About Jazz)

Musicians

Adam Glasser – harmonica, keyboards
Pinise Saul – vocals
David Serame – vocals
Mpumi Dhlamini – vocals, keyboards
Khaya Mahlangu – tenor saxophone
Sydney Mavundla – trumpet
Jason Yarde – soprano saxophone
Cameron Ward – guitar
Afrika Mkhize – piano
Fana Zulu – acoustic bass
Herbie Tsoaeli – acoustic bass
Alec Dankworth – acoustic bass
Basi Mahlasela – percussion
Lee-Roy Sauls – drums
Rob Watson – drums
Frank Tontoh – drums