Nxumalo, Gideon
Jazz Fantasia
Along with Chris McGregor, Gideon Nxumalo helped pioneer the pre-exile South African jazz sound. His 1962 album 'Jazz Fantasia' is widely regarded as a seminal South African jazz record. The record featured legendary jazz altoists Kippie Moeketsi and a very young Dudu Pukwana Dudu Pukwana plays sax in similar Albert Ayler's vein. Moeketsi was a colossal South African jazz figure during this time, and 'Jazz Fantasia' signaled Moeketsi's last commercial success before his struggles with alcohol and depression took their toll. The album was recorded at the Great Hall at Wits University in September 1962. It was commissioned by the university as part of an arts festival. With a limited pressing at the time, the album has become a revered foundation of modern South African jazz music, even though it is a rare album to find.