Mike's recent album 'Thabang', with the wonderful 'Soweto Dawn', was given a worldwide release by Atlantic Jazz in 1992 - not bad for an album that was recorded at the Digital Cupboard in Jo'burg. For 'Searching', Mike has kept faith with Tequila Music and the same studio and producer/engineer Ian Osrin, who has invested this album with a light and live feel that literally sparkles all the way through. All Makhalemele's influences shine through on 'Searching', from Dexter Gordon and Charlie Parker to John Coltrane and Joe Henderson (with whom Mike played in 1981). But overall it is the great SA jazz saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi whose spirit hovers the strongest over 'Searching'. No surprise there as Mike is currently portraying Kippie in a stage production at the Civic Theatre in Jo'burg. Standout tracks on 'Searching' include the first single, 'Emakhaya', a bright re-working of the Strike Vilikazi standard 'Meadowlands', the aforementioned 'Freedom Dance' and the brisk, yearning title track.

With 'Searching', Ratau Mike Makhalemele has looked back at his past and paid a noble and beautiful tribute to his roots and old friends but is still "searching for something new". He does not blow "the fool's gold mouthpiece" or "hollow horn" that Bob Dylan sang about in "It's Alright Ma, I'm Only bleeding" but does give credence to the words in the same line of that song which say, "He not busy being born is a-busy dying". Keep riding that Blue(s) 'Trane', Mike, and keep searching!