Jonathan Butler Releases “Ubuntu” with Marcus Miller

Jonathan Butler: UbuntuSouth African singer and guitarist Jonathan Butler has returned with his first studio album in eight years with Ubuntu. The record is called a “return to roots” that celebrates his homeland and coincides with Freedom Day, commemorating the country’s first democratic elections on April 27, 1994.

Butler explains that “Ubuntu“ is “a philosophy based in South Africa and spread by Archbishop Desmond Tutu who states, ‘I am me because of you. You are you because of me. We are not separate. We are connected. Sometimes, it is something to seek. Other times it is clear to see. We are One People. All the tribes from Zulu to Gaza embrace this – passed on from generation to generation – and shared amongst every tribe in every village. Sharing my life with you is Ubuntu.”

The album was recorded in October 2019 with the legendary Marcus Miller, who produced the album and laid down the bass on about half of the tracks. Butler plays bass on the rest except “Coming Home,” which has Charlton Daniels on the low end.

Miller’s signature tone fills out the musical arrangements as he plays electric, acoustic, and fretless throughout the songs. Check out the title track for a masterclass of his style.

You should also check out the album’s EPK, where Miller talks about the direction of the record and his production ideas:

Ubuntu is available now on CD and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).

Ubuntu Track List:

  1. Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You) [featuring Stevie Wonder]
  2. Ubuntu
  3. When Love Comes In [featuring Keb’ Mo’]
  4. No Tomorrow
  5. Bon Appétit
  6. Rainbow Nation
  7. Peace In Shelter
  8. Coming Home
  9. Silver Rain
  10. Springtime In Afrika
  11. Our Voices Matter

Get daily bass updates.

Get the latest news, videos, lessons, and more in your inbox every morning.

Share your thoughts