Sad Times Bad Times/Marvellous Muscles/King Kong/Kwela Kong/Back Of The Moon/The Earth Turns Over/ Damn Him/Gumboot Dance/King King/Be Smart Be Wise/Crazy Kid/Quickly In Love/In The Queue/Wedding Hymn/Death Song-Sad Times Bad Times
The London Cast musical King Kong starred Nathan Mdledle and Peggy Phango. It opened at the Prince’s Theatre in February 1961 and ran for 201 performances, after originally being staged in South Africa. The story is about the life and times of a South African heavyweight boxer. Music by Todd Matshikiza, lyrics by Pat Williams and Todd Matshikiza. (UK:12)
“The orchestral arrangements and vocals have been altered, probably to suit European tastes and preferences and to add more drama and dynamics to the London stage version.”
“Most of the songs are dated sub-Sondheim, but Gumboot Dance allows in some pretty infectious rhythms, recognizable as authentic from the work of South African exiles in London.”
“Over the years I have regularly returned to this album to freshen my ears. Just listen to the arrangements – magical.”
“While the music of King Kong was not really jazz per se, the presence in the cast and orchestra of so many jazz musicians gave it a strong flavour of township jazz.”
“The music of King Kong reflects all the shades, moods and contrasts of life in Johannesburg's shanty-towns.”
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