Great Spread!: The Groove of Hugh Masekela

Before Hugh Masekela fell into the abyss of smooth-world-reverb, he was a badass funk who got his inspiration from a reservoir of musicians and rockers. Take Fela Kuti's horns, Berry Gordie's pop sense, Herbie Hancock's top 40 jazz appeal, Os Mutantes' psychedelic guitar twang, and Bob Dylan's social sensitivity, and you finely shape yourself the funky sound of Masekela's 60's catalog.

One album I'd recommend in particular is 1967's Hugh Masekela's Latest. I found this record accidentally; I wasn't looking for it, nor had I known about it prior. I remember thinking the title sounded rushed at best, like an afterthought to throw on a world compilation for the record company. But after listening, I realized that at the time, it was probably the best title available for Hugh. Not only was it curt and simple, but you understand where he's coming from, musically. On the album, he covers The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Janis Ian, and all the while using his own voice. So yes, it was his latest release, but it was also his latest inspiration.

Check out tha fresh sounds of Hugh Masekela's Latest.