Phola (album)
Phola is a studio album by South African jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela. The record was released on via Four Quarters Entertainment label. "Phola" is a South African notion meaning to get well, to heal, to relax and chill. Critical reception. Michael G. Nastos of "Allmusic" stated: "Hugh Masakela's recordings in his golden years have been much more rooted in his South African heritage than the commercialized music he played in his younger days. Thankfully, that trend continues with this very fine effort that has him playing his own original material, his storied silver flugelhorn with all the  effusive joy his homeland can now proclaim, and singing on every selection, telling tales of renewal, resurrection, and revived positivity... In the decade of the 2000s, Hugh Masakela has come into his own more than at any other time in his long career, and Phola is a shining example that he's still in his prime, making excellent music with no turning back." Robin Denselow of "The Guardian" wrote: "Phola is a new set in which his flugelhorn and vocals are matched against mostly light and easygoing backing from the keyboards, guitar and bass work of his Malawian producer and  arranger, Erik Paliani. It's a varied album that switches between breezy instrumentals, township vocals and gently sturdy ballads such as the autobiographical Ghana." Kerry Doole of "Exclaim!" added, "Flugelhorn is his chosen instrument here, and there's a sweet purity in its tone. His vocals aren't quite as eloquent as his horn but are easy enough on the ears, as on the soulful (and possibly autobiographical) ballad "Sonnyboy." ... It would have been nice to hear a few more musical chances being taken here but he has earned the right to rest on his laurels somewhat. A pleasant enough  outing." Personnel. Band Production External links.