Johannes Enders - Reflections Of South Africa

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Review by Greg Oppel

Reflections Of South Africa by Johannes Enders: A Jazz Journey Worth Taking If you're into jazz with soul and a touch of wanderlust, Reflections Of South Africa might just be your next favorite album. Released in 1996 on Jazz4Ever Records, this record is like a musical postcard from Germany to the heart of Africa. Johannes Enders, the man behind the tenor saxophone, teams up with some killer musicians—including Hilton Schilder on piano and Basil Moses on bass—to create something that feels both personal and universal. The album kicks off with its title track, “Reflections Of South Africa.” It’s one of those tunes that grabs you right away, not because it’s flashy or loud, but because it tells a story without words. You can almost picture Enders sitting somewhere quiet, letting his sax do all the talking about what South Africa means to him. There’s this warm groove running through it, thanks to Kevin Gibson’s steady drumming, and Schilder’s piano adds these little sparkling moments that make you hit replay. Honestly, I couldn’t stop humming parts of it after my first listen—it sticks with you in the best way possible. Another standout is “Johannesburg,” which feels like a love letter to the city itself. It starts slow, almost hesitant, as if Enders is tiptoeing into unfamiliar territory. But then—boom! The band comes alive, and suddenly you’re swept up in this vibrant mix of rhythm and melody. What makes this track unforgettable for me is how layered it feels; there’s always something new to catch your ear, whether it’s the subtle interplay between the bass and drums or those unexpected bursts of energy from Enders’ sax. By the end, you feel like you’ve taken a quick trip to Jo’burg yourself. Now, let’s talk credits real quick. Big props to Dave Williams for producing this gem and keeping everything cohesive. And shoutout to Joe Locke for writing the liner notes—they really set the tone before you even press play. Oh, and how cool is it that Johannes Enders did double (or triple?) duty as cover artist and photographer? That kind of hands-on approach gives the whole project an authentic vibe. One thing I didn’t expect? How much this album made me think about connection. Here’s a German musician channeling the spirit of South Africa, working with international collaborators to create something timeless. It reminds you how music can bridge gaps we didn’t even realize were there. Plus, who knew a tune called “Toenails” could sound so smooth? So yeah, if you’re looking for contemporary jazz that’s got depth, groove, and a bit of global flair, check out Reflections Of South Africa. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself daydreaming about faraway places while listening.

Download Johannes Enders - Reflections Of South Africa
Artist: Johannes Enders
Album: Reflections Of South Africa

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: johannes-enders-reflections-of-south-africa.zip
  • MP3 size: 36.4 mb
  • FLAC size: 252 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Toenails7:56
Reflections Of South Africa5:44
Gingerbread Boy5:13
Passion Dance7:04
Second Thoughts9:49
Dark Before Dawn7:41
Johannesburg9:52

Images

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Catalog Numbers

J4E 4729

Labels

Jazz4Ever Records

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Formats

CD

Credits

RoleCredit
BassBasil Moses
DrumsKevin Gibson
Executive ProducerAlfred Mangold
GraphicsIgor Clukas
Liner NotesJoe Locke
PianoHilton Schilder
ProducerDave Williams
Tenor SaxophoneJohannes Enders
CoverJohannes Enders
Photography ByJohannes Enders

Notes

  • Recorded at S.A.B.C.-Studios in Seapoint/Capetown/South Africa on September 1 and 2, 1992
  • Distributed by Rough Trade Records GmbH, 44651 Herne

Barcodes

Barcode: 4016761047297

About Johannes Enders

German saxophonist born in 1967 in Weilheim in Oberbayern. Since 2009 he has held a professorship for jazz saxophone at the Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy University of Music and Theatre in Leipzig. He co-operated for albums by , , and others. Johannes Enders played with , , , , , , , , , , , and .

Real Name

    • Johannes Stefan Enders

Name Vars

  • Enders
  • J. Enders
  • Johannes

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a cool fact: The album *Reflections Of South Africa* by Johannes Enders isn’t just about music. It’s a journey. Released in 1996 under the German label Jazz4Ever Records, it blends contemporary jazz with influences from South Africa. What’s unique? Johannes Enders didn’t just play tenor saxophone—he also handled the cover art and photography. Talk about a creative powerhouse! Tracks like “Johannesburg” and “Passion Dance” feel like stories told through sound. Plus, the bassist, Basil Moses, adds a deep, soulful vibe that ties it all together.