DESCRIPTION
Official replica reissue of a South African jazz-funk rarity from Teaspoon & The Waves, originally released in 1977 on Soul Jazz Pop — a subsidiary of the legendary Mavuthela Music Company / Gallo.
This self-titled album is a true masterpiece, best known for the underground classic ‘Oh Yeh Soweto’ — an electrifying reinterpretation of Lamont Dozier’s anthem ‘Going Back to My Roots’. In recent years, it has become a firm favourite in the global DJ community, lighting up dancefloors with its infectious groove and undeniable energy.
But don’t be fooled into thinking this is a one-track album. Every cut on Teaspoon & The Waves is a standout in its own right. From the breezy, reggae-tinged tropical opener ‘Friday Night’ to the spacey afro-jazz-funk of ‘Wind and Fire’, and the floor-filling disco-funk of ‘Saturday Express’, the LP is packed with heat. Closing track ‘Got Me Tight’ seals the session with a joyous jazz-funk jam complete with Patrick Adams-esque synth flourishes.
Saxophonist Teaspoon Ndlela — the band’s namesake — has had a remarkable career, releasing music across labels like Soul Jazz Pop, Hit Special, and Gallo GRC, while collaborating with South African greats such as Mpharanyana, Stimela, Sipho Gumede, and Sgu. His saxophone playing even features on ‘Gumboots’ from Paul Simon’s iconic Graceland album.
Though ‘Oh Yeh Soweto’ remains the most celebrated track, this reissue seeks to shine a light on the full brilliance of the album — and to celebrate the deeper magic of Teaspoon Ndlela’s extraordinary musical legacy.
TRACKLIST
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Friday Night
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Wind and Fire
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Saturday Express
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Oh Yeh Soweto
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Got Me Tight