Eclectic Grooves

The Nigerian Police Force Band - Asiko Mi Ni Dan Satch & His Atomic 8 Dance Band of Aba - Alabeke The Hykkers- I Want A Break Thru' This compilation was released a couple weeks ago on Soundway Records . That's right, the same Soundway Records that released such gems as Afro Baby- The Evolution of the Afro Sound In Nigeria, 1970-1979 , Ghana Soundz Vol.1 and Ghana Soundz Vol.2 . How can you go wrong here? The answer is you can't. If you like african-fuzz guitar, afro-beat and infectious high-life music, run to your local record store and pick up this spectacular double-disc album showcasing the rarest Nigerian music out there. Soundway has done an amazing job with the packaging and have compiled extensive liner notes on the backgrounds of the musicians involved. It features an awe-inspiring mixture of high-life, afro-beat, jazz, blues and psych rock that will have you reaching for the repeat button every time. I am featuring a couple tunes from this for you to sample, b

Monomono- Dawn of Awareness Lately, I have been on a psychedelic afro-beat kick. You will probably be into Monomono's Dawn of Awareness if you dug the Chrissy Zebby Tembo from last week . However, their sound is more reminiscent of Fela Kuti's syncopated afro-beat funk than Tembo's afro-psych fuzz guitar sound. "Dawn of Awareness" was released on Capitol Records in 1974 to little critical acclaim. Friday Jumbo, the leader of Monomono was a member of Fela's group before he joined forces with vocalist Joni Hasstrup and bassist Kenneth Okulolo to form Monomono. The opening track entitled "Awareness Is What You Need" really nails the Fela afro-beat sound while still creating it's own sound. "Ipade Aladun" is the longest track on here at just over eight minutes and it really cooks with soulful vocals laid over a bed of funky organs and keyboards. Lots of breaks and weird sound effects for the beat junkies on this track alone. At just under f

Johnny Jenkins- Ton Ton Macoute, 1970, Capricorn Johnny Jenkins recorded this legendary funk-inflected swamp blues album in 1970 at the ripe age of 31. Jenkins was a huge influence on the playing of Jimi Hendrix and on Ton Ton Macoute, Jenkins concocts a heady brew of Hendrix-flavored psychedelia mixed with gospel, delta blues and swamp rock. Beck liked the sound of his rendition of the Dr. John classic "I Walk on Gilded Splinters" so much that he sampled the infectious drum beat for his hit song "Loser". On "Sick and Tired" Johnny really funks it up with an infectious mix of wah wah guitar, tight beats and gutsy vocals that really make you believe in the power of soul. Other standouts include the psychedelic gospel soul of "Voodoo and You" and the wonderful organ and slide guitar driven "Leaving Trunk". Check out this underappreciated classic in all it's glory while the getting's good. Get it here Apryl Fool- S/T, 1969, Label