Time
Hugh Masekela has of late combined various styles of African music with funk, gospel, Latin and jazz into glossy, modern world pop. Masekela's first album of new material in three years, sticks with this fusion. As with other recent efforts, there are several vocal tracks, and while the South African chorus sounds great, Masekela's own raspy, somewhat tuneless lead vocals aren't quite so potent. Masekela's lyrics are forthright, although politics are now more personal than when he railed against apartheid. The highlight is still Masekela's trumpet and flugelhorn playing, which is supported by a fantastic brass section and rhythm players who're versed in smooth-jazz grooves and Latin rhythms.--Tad Hendrickson