We start the new year off with classic material from The Pointer Sisters, followed by romantic electronic dance music from Vikter Duplaix, and concluding with 19 versions of "Pata Pata," a song made famous by Miriam Makeba.
The Pointer Sisters were four willowy, black women with incredible harmony and a profound respect for black musical traditions. Additionally, they had the skill and the will to invest the material with a vim and vigor worthy of jazz soloists.
Of course LH&R (Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, who pioneered vocal reproductions of modern jazz songs and solos) set the standard for this jazz choral singing. They were following in the tradition of the Mills Brothers. What was significant however is that the Pointers were an all female outfit who covered the waterfront rather than sticking up to cutesy, girlie type of arrangements and selections.
—kalamu ya salaam