JULY 18

           JOHNNY DYANI
            Song for Biko
              
                  Recording Date:
                     July 18, 1978

                  Personnel:
                    Don Cherry       CT
                    Ed Blackwell     CT
                    Johnny Dyani     B
                    Makaya Ntshoko D
                    Dudu Pukwana   AS

               LINK





Reviewby Scott Yanow
Bassist Johnny Dyani had a large tone and a relaxed yet authoritative style. On this classic SteepleChase release he teams up with two other South African expatriates (altoist Dudu Pukwana and drummer Makay Ntshoko) plus cornetist Don Cherry for music that is haunting, emotional, somewhat adventurous, yet also melodic. While "Song for Biko" is the most memorable piece, all five of Dyani's originals (including the 16-and-a-half-minute "Jo'burg-New York") are special. The music combines together Dyani's South African folk heritage with Ornette Coleman's free bop and elements of avant-garde jazz. Highly recommended.