The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Verse 1+ (2000)

The historic 1950s recording marks a monumental milestone in South African jazz, bringing together pivotal figures of the scene: pianist Dollar Brand, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, alto saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi, and trombonist Jonas Gwangwa. Anchored in the style of classic American hard bop, the release features extended, dynamic improvised structures rather than the distinct South African modal traditions that Brand, Masekela, and The Blue Notes would explore later in their careers. The technical virtuosic solos across tracks like "Blues For Hughie", "Cosmic Ray", and "Gafsa" place this session on par with the premier catalog standards of iconic jazz labels Blue Note and Prestige.

Tracklist:
1. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Twelve Times Twelve
2. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Yardbird Suite
3. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Blues for Hughie
4. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Delilah
5. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Uka-Jonga Phambili
6. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Old Devil Moon
7. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Body & Soul
8. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Vary-Oo-Vum
9. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Dollar's Moods
10. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Scullery Department
11. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Lover Come Back to Me
12. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Carols Drive
13. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Cosmic Ray
14. The Jazz Epistles feat. Hugh Masekela and Dollar Brand - Gafsa