Norman Jay MBE ''Good Times 7'' (Let The Good Times Roll)

Norman Jay MBE

''Good Times 7''

(Let The Good Times Roll)

Notes:
Label: Resist
Release Date: 2007

Tracklisting:
CD1
1. Doug Lazy – Let It Roll
2. Charles Dockins – Only You (Feat Lynette Smith)
3. Eddie Kendricks – He’s A Friend
4. Pride N Politix – Nights
5. 4Hero – Morning Child
6. Lupe Fiasco – Kick Push
7. Outside – The Plan
8. Nicole Willis & Soul Investigators – A Perfect Kind Of Love
9. The Velvelettes – Lonely Lonely Girl I Am
10. Antoine Clamaran – Keep On Tryin’ (Feat Emily Chick Hott 22 Remix)
11. Modaji – Grass Is Greener
12. Sasso – Agua Y Luz
CD2
1. Bare Knuckle Soul – Just Right
2. Nina Simone – Here Comes The Sun
3. Salena Jones – Morning Dew
4. Mario Biondi/The High Five Quintet – I Can’t Keep From Crying Sometimes
5. Extended Spirit – Sista Riddim
6. Fela Ransome Kuti – Water Get No Enemy
7. D Train – Children Of The World
8. Shalamar – Attention To My Baby
9. MC Lyte – Cha Cha Cha
10. Joy Denalane – Soweto ’76-’06
11. Eddie Holman – Time Will Tell
12. The Love Affair – Bringing On Back The Good Times

Links in comments

Source: Internet

The Afro Soul-Tet ''Afrodesia''

The Afro Soul-Tet

''Afrodesia''
( Original LP on Banyon Records, Cat. # 1001 )
Re-Issued on Luv N'Haight

Tracklisting:
01. Afrodesia
02. Mozamba
03. Soul Rockin’
04. Afro Revolt
05. Drumbouie
06. Torrid Zone
07. Oom-Gowa
08. Slave Traders
09. Aphro Bugaloo
10. Chocolate Drop
11. Le Berber
12. Sand, Sun and Sea

(WORLDWIDE RELEASE WAS ON JANUARY 18, 2011, ON UBIQUITY RECORDS)

Note:
After seeing them play at the Living Room on Sunset Boulevard, producer/musician Jack Millman became manager of the Afro Latin Blues Quintet +1, and signed them to Randy Woods (creator/owner of the Mira, Mirwood, Crestview, Surrey labels) in the late 1960s.Having released several albums the band morphed into the Afro Soultet For just one album, released in limited quantity on Millman's Banyan label. After their short stint as the Afro Soultet, the band became The Afro Latin Soultet releasing records with pianist Phil Moore III at the helm. The Afrodesia album will be re-issued on Luv N'Haight in early 2011. The album mixes jazz, Latin, funk, surf, and exotica - Aphro Bugaloo is one of the more jazz flavored joints.
Luv n’ Haight kills it again with this platter recorded circa 1968-71. The grooves blend Latin Jazz with Straight-ahead Jazz, worldly percussion, Surf, Rock, Funk, oddball sound effects, a touch of Lounge, and some hints of Tropicalia. All coming together for one monster of a set from this Texas combo.

Jack Millman, aka Johnny Kitchen, had a hand in many interesting, obscure and highly collectible records from the 1960s and 1970s. Producing, composing, recording, editing, releasing, licensing – you name it, Millman did it. The records he touched had an eclectic range from psychedelic rock to Latin jazz, and several include editing techniques that can only be described as an early incarnation of sampling in music.
After seeing them play at the Living Room (which later became the Comedy Store) on Sunset Boulevard, Millman became manager of the Afro Latin Blues Quintet +1, and signed them to Randy Woods (creator/owner of the Mira, Mirwood, Crestview, Surrey labels) in the late 1960s.
Having released several albums this band would later become the Afro Soultet. The liner notes to their Afrodesia album state "This is Afrodesia! A Musical collage of many peoples. . .it comes from Africa and from Arabia, from the South Seas and from Asia." Living up to the promise of those notes Afrodesia mixes Latin Jazz, with straight jazz, worldly percussion, surf, rock, funk, oddball sound effects, a touch of lounge, and some hints of tropicalia. Millman produced and released the Afrodesia album on his own Banyon label sometime between 1968-1971 (no release date is listed on the record, and Millman cannot recall a more exact date.)
Somewhere between 500 and 1000 LPs were pressed on Banyon. The album was licensed non-exclusively to Betty Chiappetta (of Vee-Jay fame) for a period of time, but it is possible that the record only saw release as a test pressing during the license, and that no official release was made commercially available. After their short stint as the Afro Soultet, the band morphed one more time into The Afro Latin Soultet releasing records with pianist Phil Moore III at the helm.
(Ubiquity Records)

Afrodesia is the lone album by the Afro-Soultet, which may or may not have been officially released by Banyon sometime between 1968 and 1971 (no one still breathing can remember the exact date). What we do know is that Johnny Kitchen (aka Jack Millman) licensed the record to Banyon's Betty Chiappetta (Vee-Jay Records), and the record received a test pressing. The Afro-Soultet originally hailed from Texas and recorded several albums under the name Afro-Blues Quintet +1, who had previously recorded three albums and seven 45s. After some personnel changes, the band relocated to L.A., where Millman caught them playing the Living Room. He became their manager and entered the band as its "Latin drummer" (Eddie Paris was their "jazz/rock" drummer). Other members included Joey Dubreau on vibes (the lone surviving founding member of their former incarnation), Frank Morris on guitar and harmonica, Dean Elliot on percussion, William Quinn on reeds and winds, and keyboardist Bill Collins. Millman produced Afrodesia, which was reissued by Ubiquity's Luv N'Haight imprint. The dozen tracks that make up this set are a truly wild, exotic, and delicious meld of Latin and soul-jazz, boogaloo, funky instrumental soul, Middle Eastern rhythms and modes, surf, rock, blues, and hard bop. Millman's editing of sounds, such as the amplified, distorted kalimba (decades before we heard Konono No. 1) add to the percussion orgy that is "Drumbouie"; he primitive equivalent of sampling. "Soul Rockin'" weaves together boogaloo, funky handclaps (à la "Fingertips, Part II"), and soul-jazz grooves with a nice tenor solo by Quinn. The title track opens the record with the sound of a thunderstorm, followed by a blues progression via Morris' electric guitar and harmonica vamps. The army of percussion -- congas and timbales playing triple time over two syncopated drum kits -- underscores a tight groove accented by flute and an electric organ. "Mozamba" layers a Wes Montgomery-esque guitar vamp over Nigerian and Afro-Cuban polyrhythms. Collins' piano solo is a driven chord sequence reminiscent of Ramsey Lewis from the same era, but rawer and tougher. "Slave Traders" is straight-ahead hard bop jam with a two-saxophone head, swinging congas, drum kit, and a fine piano break by Collins. "Aphro Bugaloo" follows it with a less Latin, more post-bop feel. Afrodesia is a true lost classic and belongs in any soul or Latin jazz collection, as well as in any serious groove digger's crate. [This title is available on LP as well, and comes with a digital download coupon.]

Information (Sounds of the Universe):
A mixed bag of heavily percussive, high sprited late 60's Afro-Latin rhythms from The Afro Soul-tet on Ubiquity!
The Afro Soul-tet formed in Texas circa 1968. 'Afrodesia' mixes Latin Jazz, straight jazz, worldly percussion, surf, rock, funk, oddball sound effects, a touch of lounge, and some hints of tropicalia.
The vinyl comes with a CD version and download code.

Visit Popsike for some auction....

Links in comments

Source: Internet

Blo "Phases 1972-1982"

Blo

"Phases 1972-1982"

Released: 26/02/2001

Label: Strut

Catalog: STRUTACD 004

Tracklisting:

01) Preacher Man (04:45)

02) Miss Sagit (04:47)

03) Chant To Mother Earth (06:09)

04) Blo (05:27)

05) It's Gonna Be A Good Day (04:19)

06) Don't Take Her Away From Me (04:33)

07) Atide (03:04)

08) Scandi Boogie (04:45)

09) Trace Of Suicide (04:05)

10) Number One (04:45)

11) Get That Groove In (04:11)

12) Loving Caring (04:03)

13) Dance In A Circle (08:19)

Notes:

The 70's were a tumultuous time in nigerian music. The afro-carib-jazz sound of highlife had swept West Africa, and funk was hitting hard. At any time in Lagos you could find a huge variety of cross-cultural fusions, melding old and new world, tradition and invention. Out of this creative storm came many influential groups, some of which derived their influences more directly than others. When Ginger Baker (drummer of Cream group) made the journey from the UK across the desert to Nigeria in a Range Rover in the late '60s, he brought a BBC camera crew and an abiding interest in absorbing african styles. Fast forward to 1971: Baker formed a band called Salt, featuring five nigerian musicians, which toured the US and Europe. When Salt imploded, a power trio named Blo emerged from its ashes. Phases documents the rise and fall of this group through a decade of changes, drawing from five records issued over the period.

In 1972, Blo created its own sound, which evolved dramatically over the next ten years. The instrumentation was straight out of rock: guitar, bass and drums. The approach was pure pop (however you might define it during those crazy times) but it involved extended, creative improvisation. Ths music drifted among the sounds of '70s Lagos, pulling together bits and pieces from here and there. The first three tracks on Phases come from Blo's debut, an unadulterated trip through sound and space. The guitar on "Miss Sagit" glides through minor melodies with a decidedly sitar-liks sound; "Chant To Mother Earth" features slow, echoing vocals. A couple years later, Blo turned to the deep funk that would remain their hallmark. "It's Gonna Be A Good Day" blends strutting guitar with syncopated bass and drums, carrying an upbeat vocal message and an irrestible call to dance. Only rarely did the group turn back to its Yoruba roots, as on "Atide", featured here. As time progressed, they bagan to dip into the frenzy of disco, retaining the energy without the faux plastic trim. "Scandi Boogie" (from 1976's album "Phase 4") stands as the high point of Phases:

I don't need no explanations

You can feel the vibrations...

Are you cool enough to do it?

Gonna do it! Scandi boogie!

How can you say no that invitation?

From Allaboutjazz

Credits:

Tracks 01 to 03 taken from the LP "Chapter One" 1973 EMI Nigeria.

Tracks 04 to 07 taken from the LP "Phase 2" 1975 Afrodisia.

Tracks 08 to 10 taken from the LP "Phase 4" 1976 Afrodisia.

Tracks 11-12 taken from the LP "Bulky Backside" 1979 Afrodisia.

Track 13 taken from the LP "Back In Time" 1980 Afrodisia.

Personnel:

Bass: Mike "Gbenga" Odumosu (tracks 01 to 07)

Drums: Laolu "Akins" Akintobi

Guitar: Berkley "Ike" Jones

Vocals: Berkley "Ike" Jones, Laolu "Akins" Akintobi, Mike "Gbenga" Odumosu (tracks 01 to 10)

By MasterFunk

Joni Haastrup ''Wake Up Your Mind''

Joni Haastrup

''Wake Up Your Mind''
( LP Afrodisia Records, 1978, Nigeria )
Catalog # DWAPS 2053

Tracklisting:
A1 - Free My People
A2 - Greetings
A3 - Wake Up Your Mind
B1 - Champions And Superstars
B2 - Do The Funkro
B3 - Watch Out

Credits:
Producer, Composed By, Arranged By - Joni Haastrup

Note:
Rare Nigerian Afrofunk Album.

By Celo

Monomono "Give The Beggar A Chance - The Lightning Power Of Awareness"

Monomono

"Give The Beggar A Chance - The Lightning Power Of Awareness"
( LP Odeon Records, 1972 Nigeria )
Catalog # EDL-02.01.99

Tracklisting:
A1 - Give The Beggar A Chance
A2 - Ema Kowa Lasa Ile Wa
A3 - The World Might Fall Over
B1 - Eje'A Mura Sise
B2 - Find Out
B3 - Lida Lou
B4 - Kenimania

Personnel & Credits:
Bass, Vocals, Percussion - Kenneth Okulolo
Congas, Vocals - Friday Jumbo
Directed By, Arranged By, Organ, Piano, Lead Vocals, Percussion, Synthesizer [Axe] - Joni Haastrup
Drums, Percussion - Candido Obajimi
Engineer [Recording] - Emmanuel Odenusi , Etim Udo
Written-By - Joni Haastrup (tracks: A1 To B3) , Kenneth Okulolo (tracks: B4)

Notes:
Iempsa de Discos del Peru, Peru-13267
Licencia-EMI, Nigeria HNLX-5104
Industrias Electricas Y Musicales Peruanas S.A.
R.I. 1423

Review:
MONOMONO album : GIVE THE BEGGAR A CHANCE ; MEGA RARE AFRO BREAK GROOVE; It's a amazing !!! FIRST COPY FROM "IEMPSA" PERUVIAN FACTORY

By Celo

Amazonas "Amazonas Play Santana"

Amazonas

"Amazonas Play Santana"
( LP Stereo Gold Award Recordings, UK, 1973 )
Catalog # MER 377

Tracklisting:
A1 - Black Magic Woman
Written-By - P. Green
A2 - Oye Como Va
Written-By - Tito Puente
A3 - Amazona
Written By - C. Dobbie , D. Ashanti
A4 - No One To Depend On
Written-By - C. Escobedo, M. Carabella
A5 - Saragossa
Written By - C. Dobbie , D. Ashanti
B1 - Jingo!
Written-By - M. Olatunji
B2 - Samba Pa Ti
Written-By - C. Santana
B3 - Sierra-Do-Mar
Written-By - L. Muller
B4 - Just In Time To See The Sun
Written-By - C. Santana, G. Rolie, M. Shrieve
B5 - Song Of The Wind
Written-By - C. Santana, G. Rolie, M. Shrieve
B6 - Primevil Return
Written-By - L. Muller

Review:
"The pulsating erotic dance rhythms of the best in Afro-Latin percussion. Fluid guitar solos with various spellbinding instrumental colours in a tribute to the hypnotic genius of Santana."
One of the best of Leo Muller albums. Includes a wicked version of "Jingo" and his own track "Sierra Do Mar". Not to mention the hot cover!...

By Celo

Continent Number 6 "Afromerica"

Continent Number 6

"Afromerica"
( LP Barclay Records, 1978, France )
Catalog # 910.006, BLY 910006

Tracklisting:
A1 Supercontinent 4:20
A2 Afromerica 6:00
A3 Hunky Funky Lion 4:16
A4 Revelation 3:40
B1 Eh Yeh Oh 5:18
B2 Call The Rain 5:55
B3 Jungle Jamboree 5:45

Personnel & Credits:
Bass - G. Augier Demoussac
Drums - P. Locci
Engineer [Condorcet] - F. Porterie, J.-M. Porterie
Engineer [Power Station, Assistant] - J. Hendrickson, R. Willhard
Engineer [Power Station] - N. Dorfsman
Guitar - P. Teodori
Keyboards, Arranged By, Conductor - R. Loubet
Lead Vocals [Lead Voice] - Alvin Fields (tracks: A1 to A4, B3),
Gordon Grody (tracks: B1), Yolanda McCullough (tracks: B2)
Lyrics By - B. Bergman
Lyrics By, Music By, Other [Album Concept] - J.-P. Lang
Photography - Image Bank, The
Producer - J.-L. Detry
Producer, Music By - F. Bernheim

Notes:
All songs published by Éditions Musicales F. Bernheim / Nouvelles Éditions Éddie Barclay
Produced for Orange Music / Detry Records
Recorded at Condorcet Studio, France and Power Station Studios, New York, in June, July and August 1978
1978 Orange Music / Detry Records
Distribution C.P.F. Barclay
Cat# given on sleeve & spine: 910.006
on labels: 910006 / BLY 910006
Etched in runout groove: 7810 BLY 910006

Review:
Continent Number 6 was an afro funk outfit composed of studio session artists, produced by french producers, possibly trying to follow Manu DiBango's tracks, which had led to a breakthrough on the US and european markets.

By Celo

Mandingo Featuring Foday Musa Suso "Watto Sitta"

Mandingo Featuring Foday Musa Suso

"Watto Sitta"
( LP Celluloid Records, 1984, France )
Catalog # CELL 6103

Tracklisting:
A1 - Harima
Synthesizer [Yamaha Dx7] - Herbie Hancock
A2 - Muso
A3 - Natural Dancer
B1 - Kansala
B2 - Dewgal
Synthesizer [Yamaha Dx7] - Herbie Hancock
B3 - Don't Worry
Djembe [Jimbeh] - Manu Washington

Personnel & Credits:
Artwork By [Album Design, Illustration] - Lester Dore
Backing Vocals - Isatou Walker , Nora Harris , Robin Robinson
Bass - Joe Thomas
Congas, Bongos [Morrocan], Bells [Frafra], Shekere, Percussion [Gnouan Clappers, Turtle Shell] - Adam Rudolph
Drum Programming [Dmx] - Bill Laswell , Foday Musa Suso
Drums - Hamid Drake
Engineer [Assistant, Evergreen] - Hahn Rowe
Engineer [Assistant, Studiomedia] - Sam Fishkin
Engineer [Recording] - Rob Stevens
Guitar - Abdul Hakeen
Kora, Kora [Dousongonni], Kalimba, Talking Drum, Lead Vocals, Arranged By, Written-by - Foday Musa Suso
Mastered By - Howie Weinberg
Mixed By - Dave Jerden
Other [Administration] - Roger Trilling
Percussion [Chatan], Talking Drum - Aiyb Dieng
Performer [Dundungo] - Reymond Sillah
Photography [Back] - D. Shigley
Producer - Bill Laswell , Foday Musa Suso

Notes:
Produced for Material OAO
Recorded at Evergreen Studio, New York City, and Studiomedia, Evanston, Illinois
Mixed at El Dorado, Los Angeles, California
Mastered at Mastedisk, New York City.
(C) 1984 Mandingo Music
(P) & (C) 1984 Celluloid Records
Distributed by Mélodie Distribution , Made in France

Review:
Mandingo was Foday Musa Suso's band for this Afropop/dance/fusion album from 1985. Suso is a Mandingo griot, a hereditary musician from Gambia and master of the kora, a sort of African guitar that sounds a lot like a cross between a harp and a banjo. Here he plays the kora and several other instruments and sings, backed by African and non-African players of African and non-African instruments, including Herbie Hancock on keyboard for "Harima" and "Dewgal."
The music is lively and fun, even with what sounds like a drum machine banging away with the more traditional percussion. I'm generally not a big fan of this kind of hybrid, as the non-traditional part often clashes with the rest, but it works pretty well here. It's instantly accessible and infectious.
From: Amazon.com (Copyright © 2010, All rights reserved)

By Celo

Various Artists: Three Good Afro Compilations!

Various Artists

"Nu Afro-Beat Experience"
( LP Shanachie Records, 2002 )

Tracklisting:
1 Akoba (K-Klash Remix) - Awa Klash 8:25
2 Jekalewa - Tony Allen 4:58
3 Surulere - Duro Ikujenyo 4:19
4 Soro - Jagunlabi 4:27
5 Oriki - Duro and Jimmy Sholanko 5:08
6 Beleke - Fatai Rolling Dollars 4:38
7 Revenge of the Flying Monkeys - Ayetoro 5:26
8 Tamedun Don Come - Tamedun 3:03
9 Turbulent Times - Dele Sosimi 9:39
10 Another System - Imo 6:26
11 Olufela - Kayode Olajide 4:56
12 Black Face - Seyi Sholagbagde and The Black Face 7:10
13 Allelujah Amen - Olufumi 4:18

Review:
Shanachie presents the sounds of modern Afro-beat with Nu Afro-Beat Experience.
Most of these artists stick to the basic blueprint created by Fela Kuti, but with more modern production.
Others add varying degrees of other musical influences, like Tony Allen's incorporation of hip-hop or Jagunlabi's Afro-house sound.
By Sean Westergaard
(AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

Not available on the free blog edition

Various Artists

"African Scream Contest"
Raw & Psychedelic Afro Sounds From Benin & Togo
( 2 X LP Analog Africa , 2008 Germany )
Catalog # AALP 063

Tracklisting:
A1. Lokonon André & Les Volcans - Mi Kple Dogbekpo
A2. Picoby Band D'Abomey - Mi Ma Kpe Dji
A3. Gabo Brown & Orchestre Poly-Rythmo \x{2013} It's a Vanity
A4. El Rego et Ses Commandos - Se Na Min
B1. Napo De Mi Amor et Ses Black Devil's - Leki Santchi
B2. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - Gbeti Madjro
B3. Roger Damawuzan - Wait For Me
B4. Ouinsou Corneille & Black Santiagos - Vinon So Minsou
B5. Orchestre Super Jheevs des Paillotes - Ye Nan Lon An
C1. Tidjani Kone & Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - Djanfa Magni
C2. Discafric Band - Houiou Djin Nan Zon Aklumon
C3. Le Super Borgou De Parakou - Congolaise Benin Ye
D1. Vincent Ahehehinnou - Ou C'est Lui Ou C'est Moi
D2. Les Volcans De la Capital - Oya Ka Jojo

Review:
After releases by Zimbabwean 70s bands the Green Arrows and Hallelujah Chicken Run Band, the Analog Africa label now delves into the amazing history of music from 1970s Benin and Togo. This compilation highlights forgotten raw and psychedelic Afro sounds, and the well-researched liner notes tell fascinating stories to accompany the mind-blowing music. The essence of Analog Africa is clear; searching in dusty warehouses for forgotten music to keep the sound alive. Label owner & vinyl collector Samy Ben Redjeb arrived in Cotonou, Benin, "without any special expectations, just hoping to lay my hands on few good records--what I found in the process cannot really be described in words".
Like most modern music in French-speaking West African countries, the music of Benin and Togo was influenced by a few main musical currents: Cuban, Congolese and local traditional music, as well as Chanson Francaise. Additionally, the geographical location of Benin and Togo--sandwiched between Ghana and Nigeria--exposed Beninese and Togolese musicians to Highlife music.
The cultural and spiritual riches of traditional Beninese music had an immense impact on the sound of Benin's modern music. Benin is the birth place of Vodun (or, as it is known in the West, Voodoo), and some of the rhythms used during traditional rituals - Sakpata, Sato, Agbadja, Tchenkoumé and many others - were fused to Soul and Latin music as early as the mid-1960s and later to Funk. In the late '60s and early '70s rock and soul music started creeping into the region. In particular, the music of James Brown and Johnny Halladay became immensely popular with university students. It was then that the music scene in Benin really started to take off. That fusion is the essence of this compilation.

Not available on the blog free edition

Various Artists

"African Spirits"
"A Spiritual Jazz Journey Looking Back To Africa"
( 2XLP Soul Brother Records , 2004 UK )
Catalog # LP SBPJ 22

Tracklisting:
A1 - Pharoah Sanders - Our Roots Began In Africa
A2 - Joe Chambers - The Almoravid
B1 - Sathima B. Benjamin - Africa
B2 - Archie Shepp - Song For Mozambique
B3 - Moe Koffman - Days Gone Bt (Egyptology)
C1 - Carlos Garnett - Banks Of The Nile
C2 - Adele Sebastian - Desert Fairy Princess
C3 - J Life - fro Blue
D1 - Nate Morgan - Mrafu
D2 - Nation/African Liberation Arts Ensemble - Children

Review:
This album consists of 10 tracks that represent a spiritual jazz journey looking back to Africa: the motherland, the roots of jazz, the birthplace of black music and the ancestral origins of the musicians themselves.
Individually the tracks - some of the best music of its type ever recorded - are in demand in their own right, with most being compiled for the first time. In the 1960's and 1970's many Afro Americans started to look back to their roots and the roots of the music for inspiration, direction and confirmation. Alex Haley, author of the best selling 1976 book 'Roots' (later adapted for an acclaimed television series) travelled by safari to the village of Juffure, in the Gambia to trace the history of his ancestors back to Africa. Musicians including Yusef Lateef, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, and many of the artists on this compilation experimented with African instruments and sounds during this period. It was a time of black celebration, the 'Afro' hairstyle was a prerequisite for hipness. The drum - the most basic rhythm instrument and the foundation that almost all modern music rests on - came from Africa. Indeed, Jazz music itself can also trace its origins back to Africa; in fact scientists, historians and archaeologists have suggested that the entire human race took its first steps in Africa and evolved from there. The music contained on this album, whilst rhythmically strong is also imbued with haunting melodies and spiritually uplifting shades. A major factor behind the making of this music was a reaction against a society based on commercialism and insincerity: this is music with a message, music of substance, music that demands the listener be drawn in. It's music that you can really feel…music that moves and fulfils you, leaving you spiritually uplifted. This album is not just about selecting and bringing together a collection of in demand Jazz cuts…it's about inviting the listener on a musical journey back to Africa, back to ancient civilisation.
By Laurence Prangell, Soul Brother Records. (Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved)

Not available on the blog free edition

By Celo

Amayo's Fu-Arkist-Ra "Afrobeat Disciples"

Amayo's Fu-Arkist-Ra

"Afrobeat Disciples"
( LP Amayo Records, 2001 )
Catalog # Amayo

Tracklisting:
1 Fist Of Flowers 9:40
2 M.T.T.T. (Mother-Talker-Tic-Tock) 11:48
3 Lion Awakes (Live) 18:48
4 Happy Lion (Live) 11:53

Personnel & Credits:
Backing Vocals - Myra Vega (tracks: 1, 2)
Bass - Nick Movshon
Congas - Ernesto Abreac
Djembe - Kunle Ade (tracks: 3, 4)
Drums - Dylan Fusillo, Jojo Quo, Ola Jagun (tracks: 3)
Guitar - Ben Richardson (tracks: 3, 4), Dave Hahn, Luke O'Malley (tracks: 1, 2)
Keyboards - Duke Amayo
Mixed By - Gabriel Roth, Victor Axelrod
Saxophone [Alto] - Stuart Bogie
Saxophone [Baritone] - Martin Perna
Saxophone [Tenor] - Michael 'H Bomb' Herbst (tracks: 1, 2)
Shaker - Giancarlo Luigi
Trombone - Aaron Johnson
Trumpet - Jordan McLean, Michael Irwin (tracks: 3, 4), Todd Simon (tracks: 1, 2)
Vocals - Duke Amayo

Review:
AMAYO'S FU-ARKIST-RA is a full afrobeat ensemble based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that ranges from 7 to 12 members including several members of the Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra. In addition to composing and arranging the songs, Amayo sings and plays keyboards for the band, intermixed with charged performances of traditional African lyrics and movement. Extended family members include Jojo Kuo & Ola Jagun (former members of Fela Kuti's Egypt '80); Kunle Ade (son of juju legend King Suny Ade); and Dick Griffin, formally with Sun Ra.
This exciting perpetual union of experiences, tradition and martial arts, not only represents a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and high grounds, but also carries the fused DNA of Kung Fu masters and philosophers of the Orient, Freedom Fighters, the Royal warriors of Benin/Ife Kingdoms and Fela Kuti. The musical result is a lethal weapon-web called FU-Afrobeat.

By Celo

Miriam Makeba "Keep Me In Mind"

Miriam Makeba

"Keep Me In Mind"
( LP Reprise Records, 1970 )
Catalog # RS 6381

Tracklisting:
A1 - Lumumba
A2 - For What It's Worth
A3 - Brand New Day
A4 - I Shall Sing
A5 - Kulala
B1 - In My Life
B2 - Down On The Corner
B3 - Ibande
B4 - Measure The Valleys
B5 - Tululu

Review:
Although a respectable effort, Keep Me in Mind is a bit of an oddity in the context of Miriam Makeba's career. While she's justifiably most known for the records she did with a strong connection to South African music, much of the arrangements, and certainly some of the material, of this 1970 LP indicated that there were hopes of getting her to cross over to the soul and pop audience. The production often had a solid soul feel, and certainly the covers of Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth," Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Down on the Corner," and the Beatles' "In My Life" were -- though classic songs all -- not exactly in sync with the kind of repertoire she'd featured throughout most of her discography to that point. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, they're among the weakest selections here, though "In My Life" isn't bad, somewhat recalling Nina Simone's frequent forays into rock/pop/soul hits during the same era. Better by some measure are her outings into fairly gutsy pop-soul on "Brand New Day," the dramatic "Measure the Valleys," and her own composition "Lumumba," though these do sound like tracks that could have been the work of most any above-average Aretha Franklin-influenced soul singer, rather than efforts bearing Makeba's distinctive imprint. Far more of her South African roots come through on her non-English-language originals "Kulala," "Ibande," and "Tululu," and while these aren't devoid of contemporary soul influences, they're the most interesting tracks on the LP. It adds up to a record that has its merits and puts Makeba into a more Americanized pop-soul setting than much of her work, but isn't one to turn to as an example of her achievements as an African music innovator.
By Richie Unterberger (http://www.cduniverse.com)

By Celo

Miriam Makeba "Pata Pata - The Hit Sound Of Miriam Makeba"

Miriam Makeba

"Pata Pata - The Hit Sound Of Miriam Makeba"
( LP Reprise Records, 1972 )
Catalog # 44 046

Tracklisting:
1 - Pata Pata
2 - Ha Po Zamani
3 - What Is Love
4 - Maria Fulo
5 - Yetentu Tizaleny
6 - Click Song Number One
7 - Ring Bell, Ring Bell
8 - Jo'Inkomo
9 - West Wind
10 - Saduva
11 - A Piece Of Ground
12 - Malayisha - Bonus Track.

Note:
This is UK Reissue of 1972 album includes one bonus track, a mono version of 'Malayisha', the original B-side for her international 1967 hit 'Pata Pata'.

Review:
Where were you in 1972? If you were listening to the radio, you would surely have heard "Pata Pata", the bouncy number which carried Miriam Makeba's voice all round the world. So it's great to have it back as the title track of Pata Pata, plus 10 other tracks from the original album.
These are triumphant times for the first lady of African music: she recently celebrated her 70th birthday by accepting the Swedish prize whose previous recipients have included Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder. She spent 30 years in exile from her native land, and was re-exiled from the US during that time for her tireless campaign for racial equality; she has survived car crashes, a plane crash, cancer, four divorces and the deaths of her only child and grandson.
But since her return in 1990 her good works have redoubled; they include South African charities for Aids awareness and women's causes. Her art was always sweet and simple, no matter how urgent and combative her message: this record has great charm. Most of the tracks are accompanied by a mélange of guitars and African instruments, over which her voice rides clear and clean, with just the occasional hint of vibrato. There are Cuban moments and pure Kwazulu moments, but it all hangs together in a seamlessly beguiling whole.
By Michael Church (Amazon - UK)

By Celo

Akendengué ''Epuguzu'' 12'' Promo

Akendengué

''Epuguzu'' 12''
( 12'' Promo Disco Mix, CBS Disques, 1983 )
Catalog # SDC 97

Tracklisting:
A Epuguzu (Version Courte) 3:30
B Epuguzu (Version Longue) 4:47

Credits:
Producer - Hughes De Courson
Written-By - Pierre Akendengué

Notes:
WAV Format - Original vinyl rip
Tirage limité réservé à la promotion
Vente interdite au public
Ed. Clouseau Musique
(P) 1983 - CBS Disques
Format:Vinyl, 12"
Country:France
Released:1983

By Celo

Manu Dibango Re-Uploads

Manu Dibango

“African Rhythm Machine”
( LP Fiesta Records, 1975 )
Compilation 1971-75

Tracklisting:
A1 – Ashiko go
A2 – I remember
A3 – Hot thing
A4 – Sango pouss pouss
B1 – Sango ( Yesus Cristo )
B2 – Power
B3 – Mbolo
B4 – Yabassi

Note:
Original Vinyl Rip.

Original post by Celo (06/10/2007)

Manu Dibango

“Ceddo”
Original Movie Soundtrack
( LP Fiesta Records, 1977 )

Tracklisting:
01. Ceddo
02. Les cavaliers
03. Le reve de dior
04. La boisson
05. Marabout
06. Libre ceddo
07. Ceddo 2

Review:
One of the rarest Manu Dibango lp.
It’s the original soundtrack of the Movie “CEDDO”
incl. some fantactic funky instrumentals with
great percussion and massive breaks!

Original post by Celo (23/10/2007)

Manu Dibango

“L’ Herbe Sauvage”
Original Movie Soundtrack
( LP Fiesta Records, 1977 )
Catalog # 362 005

Tracklisting:
A1 Miss Cavacha
A2 Bintou (1)
A3 Abidjan City
A4 Dispute
A5 Bintou (2)
B1 Monsieur, Il N’Est Pas Là
B2 Aya
B3 Palmeraies
B4 Sueurs & Angoisses
B5 Bintou (3)

Notes:
Format:Vinyl, LP
Country:France
Released:1977
Original Soundtrack from the movie.

Original post by Celo (23/10/2007)

-------------------------------------------

Manu Dibango is definitely the best known African artist outside Africa. His career is long and full of (musical) adventure. As a boy of 15 years old he was sent to Paris to pursue his school education, but his love for music was stronger, and he studied classical piano and, later, saxophone. In 1956, he went to Brussels, where he played with several jazz bands. From 1961 to 1965 he stayed in Kinshasa and played with le Grand Kalle, one of the pioneers of the new Congolese sound based on the rumba.
Back in Paris, he continued recording singles, and around 1970, a first album came out. His third album, Soul Makossa, especially with its title track (originally the b-track of a single dated 1971), was his international breakthrough in 1973. The success gave him the opportunity to go to the USA and play with some big names in jazz music. A later stay in Jamaica during 1979 inspired him to record some reggae albums. Even throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he continues to look for new inspiration, and he frequently records with other artists. A remarkable man.
Born: 1933 in Douala, as Emmanuel Dibango N'Djocke.

From: http://musiques-afrique.com/frames/art_manu.html

More Manu on Cheeba's Soundological Investimigations blog.

All posts by Celo

Various Artists ''African Paradise''

Various Artists

''African Paradise''
( Compilation, 2x CD, 2008 )

Tracklisting:
Disk 1
01. Manu Dibango - African Paradise
02. Lyly Swalii - Ce Soir Tu Vas Grimper
03. Sister Kat & John Ozila - Senegal Sou Gnou Rew
04. Charles Schillings - Mambo Loco
05. Tishou Kane - Wanna Be
06. Manu Dibango & DJ Ressource & Jose Sebeloue - Coupé Decalé
07. Manu Dibango & Chantal Ayissi - Abe Abe Remix
08. Leary - Tum Tum
09. Bola & Katoucha - Do You Feel Me Inside
10. Trance Africa All Star - Décale Moi
11. DJ Ressource - Comme Au Lit
12. Mwondo Mwele - Matango
13. DJ Ressource - Rouler Dans La Cité

Disk 2
01. Jim Koutouan - Solewa Fatoumata
02. Mondo Wells - I Am In Love
03. Al Blamo - I Miss You So Much
04. Marvin Scott - If We Belong To You
05. Paradise Orchestra Team - Night Fire
06. Aaron Keta & Al Blamo - It's My Life
07. Matt Duandha - It's Raining In Africa
08. Majiik Seck - Africana Motel
09. Xanti - Forgot To Sleep
10. 7 Smiles - From Dakar To Bamako
11. Leary - Ici Ou La
12. Equateur - Teke Yi Medjo
13. Love Syndikat - I Believe In Africa

Not available on the blog free edition

By Pier

The Souljazz Orchestra ''Rising Sun''

The Souljazz Orchestra

''Rising Sun''
( 2xLP Strut Records, 2010 )
Catalog # STRUT058LP

Tracklisting:
1 Awakening 2:51
2 Agbara 4:58
3 Negus Negast 5:03
4 Lotus Flower 5:19
5 Mamaya 4:20
6 Serenity 7:53
7 Consecration 7:35
8 Rejoice Pt. 1 2:20
9 Rejoice Pt. 2 5:10

Notes:
Format:2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country:UK
Released:2010

Biography:
A multi-cultural, high-energy collective from Ottawa, Ontario, the Souljazz Orchestra -- featuring keyboardist Pierre Chrétien, alto saxophonist Zakari Frantz, baritone saxophonist Ray Murray, tenor saxophonist Steve Patterson, and percussionist Marielle Rivard, all of whom are also vocalists -- took root in 2002 and debuted with a fully developed sound that fused Latin and African jazz, funk, and Afro-Beat. The group’s first album was Uprooted, released in 2005 on the Funk Manchu label, but it was the overtly political 2006 single “Mista President,” off second album Freedom No Go Die (Do Right!), that really increased their audience, voted to the number nine spot in the 2006 Top 30 of BBC DJ Gilles Peterson's Worldwide program. Manifesto, the third Souljazz Orchestra album, was released in 2008. Two years later, they moved to the higher-profile Strut label for Rising Sun, another Peterson favorite.
By Andy Kellman (AMG)

Not available on the free blog edition

By Pier

Mickey Hart "Planet Drum"

Mickey Hart

"Planet Drum"
( LP Rykodisc Records, 1991 )
Catalog # RLP 10206

Tracklisting:
1 - Udu Chant 3:40
Cowbell - Sikiru Adepoju
Drums, Tabla, Balafon - Zakir Hussain
Drums, Tambourine, Triangle, Vocals - Mickey Hart
Vocals, Chimes, Tamanco, Whistles - Airto Moreira
2 - Island Groove 5:44
Caxixi, Rattles, Cymbal, Voice - Airto Moreira
Djembe, Congas, Shekere, Vocals - Babatunde Olatunji
Drums - Mickey Hart
Dundun, Duggi Tarang - Sikiru Adepoju
Madal, Dholak - Zakir Hussain
3 - Light Over Shadow 3:51
Djembe, Ngoma, Ashiko - Babatunde Olatunji
Drums, Cowbell, Flute, Vocals - Airto Moreira
Vocals - Flora Purim
4 - Dance Of The Hunter's Fire 2:59
Bells - Sikiru Adepoju
Djembe - Babatunde Olatunji
Djembe, Shaker - Airto Moreira
Ghatam - T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram
Shaker - Caryl Ohrbach , Flora Purim
Shekere - Frank Colon
Shekere, Congas - Giovanni Hidalgo
5 - Jewe "You Are The One" 4:06
Vocals - Flora Purim
Vocals, Percussion - Babatunde Olatunji , Bruce Langhorne , Gordy Ryan , Mickey Hart
6 - The Hunt 3:51
Bells, Tabla, Naal - Zakir Hussain
Djembe, Ashiko, Ngoma - Babatunde Olatunji
Drums - Mickey Hart
Dundun - Sikiru Adepoju
Ghatam, Jew's Harp - T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram
Shaker - Airto Moreira
7 - Temple Caves 3:14
Djembe, Congas - Babatunde Olatunji
Gudugudu - Sikiru Adepoju
Percussion, Shaker, Tarang, Duggi, Rain Stick - Mickey Hart
Shaker, Voice, Conch Shell, Gongs - Airto Moreira
Tabla, Taya - Zakir Hussain
8 - The Dancing Sorcerer 2:57
Berimbau - Airto Moreira
Tabla, Madal - Zakir Hussain
9 - Bones 4:10
Balafon, Bones - Mickey Hart
Bata - Giovanni Hidalgo
Dundun, Shaker, Bells - Zakir Hussain
Vocals - Babatunde Olatunji , Flora Purim
10 - Lost River 2:58
Cymbal, Shaker, Wood Blocks, Percussion - Airto Moreira
Djembe, Dundun - Sikiru Adepoju
Drums - Mickey Hart
Duggi Tarang, Conch Shell - Zakir Hussain
Vocals - Babatunde Olatunji , Flora Purim
11 - Evening Samba 4:30
Bells - Mickey Hart , Sikiru Adepoju , Zakir Hussain
Drums, Tambourine, Whistling, Wood Blocks, Cymbals, Bells - Airto Moreira
Ghatam - T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram
Shaker, Bells - Babatunde Olatunji
12 - Iyanu "Surprises" 2:02
Vocals - Flora Purim , Molonga Casquelord
Vocals, Bamboo - Airto Moreira
Vocals, Claps - Babatunde Olatunji
Vocals, Gourds - Mickey Hart
13 - Mysterious Island 5:49
Drums [Udu] - Jeff Sterling
Percussion, Dumbec - Mickey Hart
Percussion, Flute [Nose Flute], Tambourine - Airto Moreira
Wind Chimes, Vocals - Flora Purim

Personnel & Credits:
Co-producer - Airto Moreira , Babatunde Olatunji , Flora Purim , Sikiru Adepoju , T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram , Zakir Hussain
Engineer - Jeff Sterling , Tom Flye
Mastered By - Paul Stubblebine
Producer - Mickey Hart

Review:
A dazzling all-percussion workout with plenty of muscle and deep grooves, it features many of the world musicians from At the Edge, and is loosely tied to Hart's book of the same name.
Bob Tarte (AMG)

By Celo

JuJu (Oneness Of JuJu) "A Message From Mozambique"

JuJu (Oneness Of JuJu)

"A Message From Mozambique"
( LP Strata East Records, 1974 )
Catalog # SES 19735

Tracklisting:
1 - (Struggle) Home - 15:57
2 - Soledad Brothers - 5:09
3 - Freedom Fighter - 3:31
4 - Make Your Own Revolution Now - 11:02
5 - Father Is Back - 2:03
6 - Nairobi/ Chants - 6:45

Personnel & Credits:
Babatunde - Conga, Drums
Plunky Nkabinde - Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor), Shekere
JuJu - Percussion, Vocals
Tony Grayson - Shekere
Lon Moshe - Flute, Piccolo, Vibraphone
Al Hammel Rasul - Shekere

Review:
The first album by the group that later went on to become Oneness Of Juju! The album was recorded with a group that featured Plunky Nakabinde and Lon Moshe on reeds and percussion -- plus Babatunde on congas and drums -- and the overall sound is very much in kind of an Art Ensemble Of Chicago mode - with more "out" soloing overall, mixed with some of the spiritual jazz leanings that would show up more on the group's later work. The album's a fitting record for the Strata East label -- as it shows the imprint's equal ability to carve up heavy avant work and more strident spiritual soul jazz. And if we say so ourselves, Plunky's really a wailer on tenor and soprano -- sounding a lot like Kalaparusha or some of the other AACM players from the time! Titles include "(Struggle) Home", "Soledad Brothers", "Freedom Fighter", and "Nairobi/Chants".
From Dusty Groove America

By Celo

Bukky Leo & Black Egypt "Afrobeat Visions"

Bukky Leo & Black Egypt

"Afrobeat Visions"
( LP Mr Bongo, 2005 )

Tracklisting:
1 - Black Egypt (Intro) 3:31
2 - Ake Bo Je 4:47
3 - Don't Go Away 6:56
4 - Times Like These 4:42
5 - Dem Go Shout 5:31
6 - Why Can't We Live Together 5:40
7 - Dreamer 3:24
8 - The Vision 3:48
9 - Secular Society 4:19
10 - His Majesty 5:14

Personnel & Credits:
Artwork By [Design] - Graham Luckhurst
Bass - Jude Baptist , Patrick Zambonin
Drums - Tony Allen
Guitar - T J 'Baba' Johnson
Instrumentation By [All Additional] - Ben Mitchell , Bukky Leo
Keyboards - Kishon Khan
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals - Billie Godfrey
Lead Vocals, Saxophone, Flute - Bukky Leo
Photography [Cover] - Bob Miller
Producer - Ben Mitchell
Producer, Arranged By - Ben Mitchell
Trombone - Justin Thurgur
Written-By - Ben Mitchell (tracks: 1, 2, 7) , Bukky Leo (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7 to 10)

Review:
Back when he was growing up in Nigeria, Bukky Leo was spotted practicing his saxophone by the original Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, who instantly invited Bukky into his band. Bukky went on to play with Fela Kuti and later, Bukky decided to pursue his own distinct style of jazz and Afrobeat.
Bukky became one of the forerunners in the acid jazz scene in London in the 80s and was signed to the A&R Acid Jazz label. His first release, Rejoice in Righteousness, went to number one in the rhythm and blues, dance and jazz charts. His follow up album, River Nile, was nominated for a US African Music Award.
Since the Acid Jazz days, he has toured extensively with the Source band, which recorded a self-titled album on Strut records. In the mid 9Os, Bukky took a pilgrimage to Egypt, which resulted in the formation of Black Egypt, one of the most important Afrobeat groups outside of Nigeria. Bukky is still in demand as a world class saxophonist and is presently touring with the African Jazz All Stars and Tony Allen's Afro-Beat Big Band.
For this recording, Bukky collaborated with Ben Mitchell. They met while Ben was producing The Rapping With The Gods album with legendary Brighton DJ Russ Dewbury. The album featured Bukky on vocals and saxophone on the track "Living Am I Living." Afrobeat Visions took 18 months to produce and features some of the finest Afrobeat and jazz musicians in the world.
"Black Egypt (intro)" starts off with Bukky Leo's spoken word vocals and breaks out into an all out Afrobeat-jazz jam. "Ake Bo Je" is next. The combination of Billie Godphrey’s vocals with the call-and-response male voices, Afro-house beats, strings and horns makes this track another rollicking excursion into body-moving bliss. "Don't Go Away" has awesome vocals, a super-funky bass line and slamming percussion, making it an instant dance favorite, probably the best one of the bunch. This one also features an impressive bluesy guitar solo.
Every track on this recording is a winner, but three more of special note are “Why Can’t We Live Together,” which has a steady afro-house groove and superb vocals, "Dem Go Shout," with an easy groove and tight and bright keyboard solo, and the last track “His Majesty,” which has a light, fluid guitar riff with an islandy feel, a stellar saxophone solo and some hard-hitting percussion. These songs will have you bouncing and shaking along with the infectious rhythms and well-composed, solid blend of elements.
By Veronica Timpanelli (Jazzreview)

By Celo

Buari ''Disco Soccer''

Buari

''Disco Soccer''
( LP Makossa Records, 1979 )
Catalog # M2337

Tracklisting:
A1 - Koko Si
A2 - I'm Ready
A3 - Feed My Body
A4 - It's What's Happening
A5 - Hard Times
B1 - Born With Music
B2 - African Hustle
B3 - Kinyi Ai Kawali
B4 - Adesa A
B5 - Minyo
B6 - Games We Used To Play

Credits:
Cello - John Reed
Executive Producer - M. Lee.
French Horn - Christine Snyder , Valerie West
Percussion - Errol 'Crusher' Bennett
Photography - Harry Delauney , Stan Keitt
Producer, Arranged By - Buari
Saxophone - George Young, Michael Brecker
Trombone - Barry Rogers
Trumpet - Jon Faddis , Randy Brecker
Violin - Danny Reed , Lucy Corwin , Paul Scales , Bob Rozek, Stan Curtis

Notes:
Executive production coordinator : R. Francis.
Cover design by Churchmouse.
1979 Makossa Ltd. Publishing Co. BMI.
Special thanks to the Tropicalia Disco, N.Y.

Review:
A killer blend of African roots and American rhythms and a set that definitely lives up to the disco promised in the title! Buari's working here with a host of New York musicians jazzy players who include Randy Brecker and Jon Faddis on trumpet, Barry Rogers on trombone, and Michael Brecker on tenor -- all blowing tightly over the album's quick rhythms and well-crafted string arrangements! The sound is hardly familiar disco and the music is much more in the styles of the underground at the time almost equivalent to P&P Records productions in the way that Buari works some clever magic with the grooves. The whole thing's got a lot more edge than his better-known set on RCA and titles include "Koko Si", "I'm Ready", "Feed My Body", "Hard Times", "Adesa A", "Minyo", "Born With Music", and "African Hustle".
From Dusty Groove America

By Celo