Dudu Pukwana, Diamond Express (side A)

The South African roots in Dudu Pukwana's brand of jazz already have the propulsion of rock music. While I wouldn't have chosen a (then) "modern" fusion-y production to capture his work, it at least makes some rational sense. The Wurlitzer and guitar fit really nicely, and Diamond Express is a genuinely fun listen. While it was released in 1977, Mongezi Feza's amazing presence on trumpet indicates that it must have been recorded before his unfortunate passing in 1975. The drab cover design, unfortunately, gives no hint to the energetic and powerful music inside.