Song for Biko

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Song for Biko is a 1979 album by the Johnny Dyani Quartet, led by bassist Johnny Dyani. The group features saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, cornetist Don Cherry, and drummer Makaya Ntshoko. It was recorded on July 18, 1978, in Copenhagen and released on vinyl in 1979 by SteepleChase Records. A 1994 CD reissue added an extra track. The title honors anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, who was killed in 1977.

Musically, the album blends Dyani’s South African folk roots with free jazz influences from Ornette Coleman and the avant-garde. Five Dyani originals are featured, with the title track “Song for Biko” standing out as the most memorable piece.

Critical response was very positive. AllMusic’s Scott Yanow called the music haunting and emotional, noting that the title track is especially striking while all five Dyani compositions shine. The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings said the album comes from Dyani’s most inventive period and that the music is strongly political without being didactic. Clarinetist Sandy Brown called the album historic and praised the brilliance of the title track. John Litweiler compared the quartet to Ornette Coleman’s group, praising Ntshoko’s energetic drumming and Cherry’s lyrical trumpet. Gwen Ansell highlighted the intense communication between Dyani and Cherry and lauded the bluesy sadness, elation, and lyricism, especially in “Wish You Sunshine.” All songs are composed by Johnny Dyani.