Honey Pie Records present a reissue of The Jazz Epistles' self-titled album, originally released in 1959.

The Jazz Epistles were the very first South African jazz group who broke away from the swinging and danceable jazz forms in vogue during the 1950s. A group formed by strong personalities like pianist Dollar Brand, later known as Abdulah Hibrahim, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, saxophonist Kippi Moeketzi, trombonist Jonas Gwangwa, bassist Johnny Getze, and drummer Makaya Ntschoko.

A bunch of jazz modernists who already in the late 1950s, under the influence of the American "Bop" attitude began to switch on a more complex and hip music style. In 1959, just before breaking up, the Jazz Epistles released their first and only album, a great piece of work which stands as the first album released by a Black South-African band. A cultural manifesto as part of the anti-apartheid struggle of the time.

PERSONNEL:

• Kippie Moeketsi - (alto sax)
• Hugh Masekela - (trumpet)
• Jonas Gwangwa - (trombone)
• Dollar Brand - (piano)
• Johnny Gertze - (bass)
• Makaya Ntshoko - (drums)

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Dollar's Moods
• A2. Blues For Hughie
• A3. Uku-Jonga Phambili
• A4. I Remember Billy

• SIDE B
• B1. Vary-Oo-Vum
• B2. Carol's Drive
• B3. Gafsa
• B4. Scullery Department