Vocalism

One-third of the trio Insingizi, Vusa Mkhaya steps out on his own in an album recorded in Bulawayo and Vienna, mostly capturing the sweet harmonies of his homeland, some of it traditional music like "Umakoti," but also originals like "Diaspora." As expected, the focus is very much on the vocals, usually with a large cushion of backing singers. "Schweinbeushcel" takes him to Austria, with yodeling, which is something different that nevertheless fits seamlessly into the whole ethos of the disc, as does the Hungarian song "Tavaszi Szel." It's all a very easy listen, and exquisitely performed. The very nature of Vocalism makes it a laid-back disc, and it works excellently, but more as background than deep, involving listening.