Hugh Masekela - Hope

Now on 33 1/3 as originally recorded with all 12 tracks included!

Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from the original analog tape

Plating and 180-gram pressing by Quality Record Pressings!

Gatefold tip-on jacket by Stoughton Printing

Includes insert containing interview with David Hewitt, original recording engineer for Hope

"How sad, if timely: this stunning reissue of the 1994 live album arrived in the very week that trumpeter Masekela passed away. One of the most successful ambassadors ever for African music, his fusing of the continent's rhythms and instruments with contemporary jazz and rock proved irresistible. Nearly every one of you has heard him, thanks to guess spots with The Byrds and Paul Simon. His breakthough hit from 1968 — the infectious "Grazing In The Grass" — is here, along with another 11 tracks recorded at Blues Alley, the U.S. club that gave us Eva Cassidy. Notably, despite its early-1990s origins, this is all-analogue." — Sound Quality = 90% - Ken Kessler, HiFi News, May 2018

"...Hope is one of those intensely visceral, large as life, and immediately present recordings that will make pretty much any system sound at least very good, and will cause better ones to raise goose bumps." - Wayne Garcia, The Absolute Sound, August 2008

"...The high quality original mix plus Analogue Productions' superb mastering has resulted in a terrific, very transparent sonic with great impact." - John Henry, Audiophile Audition

The Analogue Productions reissue of Hugh Masekela's masterpiece Hope, now available on 33 1/3 LP. Mastering from Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio; 180-gram knock-your-socks-off silent heavyweight vinyl plated and pressed by Quality Record Pressings. Stoughton Printing tip-on old-style heavyweight gatefold jacket. The ultimate.

A longtime audiophile demonstration disc. Hope will show off your system's dynamic range as well as any record ever released. Hugh Masekela, the outstanding South African trumpeter, assembled a seven-piece group and recorded this great set live at Washington, D.C.'s Blues Alley. The songs stretch over a period of nearly five decades and serve as an informal guided tour of Masekela's life. The songs are honest and bare, and as for the sound — WOW!

Unlike a prior 45 RPM version that included seven songs, this 33 1/3 reissue contains the full program as originally recorded with all 12 tracks included! Plus, as an added bonus, we've included a special insert — featuring an exclusive interview with Grammy/Emmy Award-winning engineer David Hewitt, who recorded Hope originally.

"Hugh's record is right up near the top for a lot of reasons," Hewitt says.

Hewitt and his team were afforded the time they needed, and they pulled out all the stops to pull off what's now recognized as an all-time great recording. They used better-quality microphones, they were micing the room for ambient sound, and Masekela was performing for a sophisticated and appreciative audience.

"We used stuff from our stash of mics as opposed to what you'd find typically at a jazz club. We actually had control via the record label and producers, so we could take our time. We had the ability to mic the room for abient sound. ... you've got people that actually know and appreciate the music and respond accordingly. What you've got there is all the right stuff at the right time and the right people, and then something magical happens."

Listen to that magic unfold — put on this Analogue Productions reissue of Hope, and be transported.

1. The Abangoma (The Healers)

2. Uptownship

3. Mandela (Bring Him Back Home)

4. Grazing in the Grass

5. Lady

6. Until When

7. Languta

8. Nomali

9. Market Place

10. Ntyilo Ntyilo (The Love Bird)

11. He le Se (The Dowry Song)

12. Stimela [Coal Train]

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 8 person(s) rated this product.

Highly recommended! posted on 02/26/2024 5 Stars 10 for the music, 10 for mastering and pressing, and 10 for Acoustic Sounds customer service! We know about the music, but the pressing on this is exceptional. The vinyl is flat and as quiet as it could be. The jacket I got however, is less than perfect. It had two huge splits in the middle inside and another one on top. Looks like a factory defect. I decided to send a quick email to customer service and Acoustic Sound resolved my issue without any fuss. They mailed a jacket, free of charge.

On the short list posted on 01/09/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: William Taylor This is beautiful, uplifting music, recorded to the highest standard. The bass and percussion, in particular, are such a treat. If you have a revealing sound system, this will be one of your reference albums.

Wow posted on 05/22/2021 5 Stars Reviewer: Goodin This is the best sounding album that I own.

Highly recommended posted on 10/21/2020 5 Stars Reviewer: Noel25 Omg what a beat love this. Afrobeat style incredible sounds so amazing. audiophile value can’t stop listening to this album.

INCREDIBLE posted on 07/03/2019 5 Stars Reviewer: Mike This album is a staple for any audiophile collection. Kevin Gray did this recording justice like you wouldn't believe. The dynamics blow away any digital version I've heard, ESPECIALLY on side 4. It gives your system a true workout. I highly recommend picking this pressing up while it's available for us. Just unbelievable...

A must for every audiophile posted on 03/20/2019 5 Stars Analog productions 33 1/3, 10 for music(jazz) and 10 for sonic brilliance.

Yowza...Mind Blowing!! posted on 08/06/2018 5 Stars Reviewer: Brian If you love Jazz, but not all that fond of your skin (because you might jump out of it) get this LP today. The sound is hair raising, music is wonderful. Dynamics are fantastic. The sound stage is vibrant and clear. I was hooked on the first spin. Packaging is top notch with a cool explanation of each song. This is music making.

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