Friends (Hugh Masekela and Larry Willis album)

Friends is a collaborative studio album by South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela and American jazz pianist Larry Willis. It was released in 1993 on Novus Records. The album showcases the duo's improvisational skills and their shared appreciation for both jazz standards and original compositions. The tracks primarily feature Masekela's distinctive flugelhorn and Willis's nuanced piano playing, creating an intimate and conversational musical atmosphere. The repertoire includes a mix of traditional jazz tunes, South African melodies, and original compositions by both artists. The album is recognized for its understated elegance and the deep musical connection between Masekela and Willis.