Hugh Masekela and Larry Willis -- Friends at Jazz Standard

Hugh Masekela has been the most famous name in the rich history of South African jazz since 1968, when “Grazing In The Grass” became his international pop breakthrough hit. His piercing trumpet lines adorned the Byrds’ “So You Want To Be A Rock ‘N’ Roll Star”; he was a key guest star on Paul Simon’s Graceland tours of the 1980s, and his 2012 album Jabulaniwas a celebratory mix of jazz, pop, and African sounds inspired by South African wedding traditions. Pianist Larry Willis was part of the fabled jazz rock band Blood Sweat & Tears for seven years, and also enjoyed extended stints with the bands of Nat Adderley and Roy Hargrove; he’s recorded many albums as a leader beginning in 1970 with A New Kind of Soul...

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Hugh Masekela has been the most famous name in the rich history of South African jazz since 1968, when “Grazing In The Grass” became his international pop breakthrough hit. His piercing trumpet lines adorned the Byrds’ “So You Want To Be A Rock ‘N’ Roll Star”; he was a key guest star on Paul Simon’s Graceland tours of the 1980s, and his 2012 album Jabulaniwas a celebratory mix of jazz, pop, and African sounds inspired by South African wedding traditions. Pianist Larry Willis was part of the fabled jazz rock band Blood Sweat & Tears for seven years, and also enjoyed extended stints with the bands of Nat Adderley and Roy Hargrove; he’s recorded many albums as a leader beginning in 1970 with A New Kind of Soul.

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