This legendary recording by South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela has been a staple of audiophile demonstration records for decades. Hardly a hi-fi show goes by without "Hope" being used as a reference for dynamics, spatial imaging, and emotional immediacy.
For this album, Masekela assembled a seven-piece band and recorded the entire live set at the renowned Washington jazz club Blues Alley . The result is an intense, atmospherically rich concert that musically spans nearly fifty years of his work. The blend of political depth, African rhythms, jazz, and soul creates a captivating effect that leaves even seasoned listeners deeply moved.
This lavishly produced box set surpasses previous releases. While an earlier LP edition was limited to seven tracks, this edition presents, for the first time on four 45-rpm LPs , the complete, originally recorded program with all 12 tracks . The higher sampling speed ensures increased resolution, more precise transients, and an exceptionally open, vibrant sound – a clear improvement even on very high-end audio systems.
The remastering, carried out by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio Studios , exemplifies the philosophy of Analogue Productions : maximum sonic fidelity, natural tonal colors, and uncompromising dynamics without artificial manipulation. Vocals, trumpet, and percussion are tangibly present in the soundstage, the audience is authentically immersed, and the club atmosphere is almost physically palpable.
The box is rounded off by a high-quality insert with a detailed interview conducted by David Hewitt , the album's original sound engineer, about the creation and recording conditions of "Hope" – a valuable addition for collectors and lovers of audiophile background information.
A reference recording in an edition that sets standards both musically and sonically – and should be in every discerning vinyl collection.