This two-disc set is both a good introduction to
Ladysmith Black Mambazo and conversely an unbalanced one. Founded in the 1960s by
Joseph Shabalala (who continues to lead the group), the South African a cappella gospel ensemble has been delighting audiences all over the world for some 50 years now as a primary act, but
Ladysmith Black Mambazo's public profile rests more on their collaborations with other performers, most notably
Paul Simon, whose
Graceland album, which prominently featured their backup vocals, was most people's real introduction to the group. Which is why this fun set is unbalanced -- it collects 30 of those collaborations done over the years with the likes of
Simon,
Dolly Parton,
Emmylou Harris,
Sarah McLachlan,
Taj Mahal, and a host of others, and while there's no denying it all adds up to a great and joyful listen, it only tells one part of the
Ladysmith Black Mambazo story, delightful as that part is. Highlights include "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" from
Simon's
Graceland (there's also a version of the song here done with
Melissa Etheridge and
Joe McBride), a wonderful take on
Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang" by the late
Lou Rawls, and an equally wonderful version of
Curtis Mayfield and
the Impressions' "People Get Ready" from
Phoebe Snow, but every track has the kind of bright spiritual soul that
Ladysmith Black Mambazo bring to everything they do. ~ Steve Leggett