Loose Tubes Säd Afrika Review

In September 2010, there was justifiable celebration at the release of Dancing on Frith Street by Loose Tubes. Recorded live at their three-day farewell appearance at Ronnie Scott’s in September 1990, it captured the power and uninhibited joy of the band’s music, with its preponderance of reeds and brass. Now, Säd Afrika is a worthy sequel and companion-piece to it; recorded over the same period, it shares all of its qualities.

The album title translates as “South Africa”, and there is nothing remotely sad about the album, quite the opposite. It is dedicated to Nelson Mandela (in 1990, recently freed) and gives thanks to the many South African musical exiles who lived in London from the 60s onwards, enlivening its music scene and inspiring British musicians. The 23-piece Loose Tubes certainly owed a great debt to Brotherhood of Breath, the free-blowing London-based big band with a nucleus of South African exiles.

As ever, all of the compositions here were by band members. Five of the seven tracks are from the band’s studio albums, now sadly unavailable; often, these versions manage to trump the originals, the live context adding extra solos and excitement. The dry wit of the introductions by bass trombonist Ashley Slater also enhances the album.

Two compositions by keyboardist Django Bates, the title track and Delightful Precipice, particularly stand out. Each combines the band’s customary instrumental exuberance with vocal interludes in which all members harmonise as a chorus, to stunning effect.

Another two pieces make their recorded debut here: Exeter, King of Cities by flautist Eddie Parker and Mo Mhuirnin Ban by trumpeter Chris Batchelor. Despite the album’s South African flavour, these pieces demonstrate that the band – as players and composers – also drew inspiration from a rich variety of global influences, including Latin American rhythms, Irish jigs, big-band and other jazz, brass bands and far more, all distilled into a compellingly danceable amalgam.

The infectious atmosphere on Säd Afrika, generated by musicians and audience alike, indicates that all concerned had great fun. Luckily, it is rumoured that this may not be the last Loose Tubes release.