Africa 100: The Indestructable Beat

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Pitchfork just posted a nice feature on African music that kind of functions like a “For Dummies” guide. It was originally published way back in 2005, but I guess the rise in popularity of African music justified a re-post, with various edits. The article goes over history, artists, regions, record labels, blogs, and tons and tons of audio files. A pretty immersive an informative read for anyone looking to learn more about the world of African music.


Digging to the Next Level

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Frank just got back from another trip to Africa and shared these pics of his digging adventures. It’s safe to say that nobody is iller than him when it comes to vinyl excavation.

New mix of the best 45s Frank found on his trip!


African Disco

Monday, January 25, 2010

Teaser from the forthcoming Nigerian Disco comp by Academy Records and Voodoo Funk. Killin’ it as always.


Top Finds of 2009

Monday, December 28, 2009

As 2009 is coming to a close I wanted to do a quick retrospective of my top record finds of the year. I got a lot of great records in 2009, but these seven stand out as the ones that truly marked definitive moments in the year. These are all pretty unique and special recordings, and three of them actually contributed to my wedding mix this past year which goes to show how sentimental some of them are. Hopefully 2010 will prove to be just as fruitful.

Arnie Cheatham
 Thing (Innerview, 1972)

This record has been one of my top jazz wants for a few years now. Lead by Arnie Cheatham, his group appropriately called Thing, plays through two sides of sprawling jazz, covering more ground than a lot of artists cover in their entire careers. A lot of people flock to this record for the insane drum break on “Road Through the Wall,” but really the whole thing is a riveting exploration through jazz/rock/funk fusion, standing in the shadows of Miles Davis’ similar tinkerings.

Listen to “Road Through the Wall Part 2“


Marijata
 This Is Marijata (Gapophone, 197?)

I spent more time with African music than any other genre in 2009. Being a relatively new genre to me I was literally learning something new every day, and I heard about Pat Thomas’ backing band Marijata fairly early on. Their debut album, This is Marijata, is one of the toughest and funkiest African records out there. Only 4 tracks long, 3 of them are pure funk burners, with the soulful “I Walk Alone” being equally great.

Listen to “We Live In Peace“

Mack Sigis Porter
Peace on You (Rifi 1972)

Mack Porter was born in Ghana, but moved to the Netherlands and eventually Italy in the 60’s. He was signed to the Rifi label and released his only album Peace on You in 1972, one of the most unique records I’ve ever heard. If I had to classify it I guess I would call it a folk record, but it has progressive and symphonic moves, giving it an ethereal sound. The album is amazing from top to bottom, but my favorite track is probably “Miles to Go” which was featured on my wedding mix.

Listen to “Back Home“

Mulatu Astatke
 Mulatu of Ethiopia (Worthy, 1972)

Mulatu Astatke is largely responsible for creating the Ethiopian jazz sound. If you’ve seen the Jim Jarmusch movie Broken Flowers then you’ve heard Mulatu’s signature vibes. His catalog of records runs deep, but the Mulatu of Ethiopia record is probably his most well known and sought after. Beautiful and exotic, almost like a Roy Ayers meets Sun Ra. Mulatu is still keeping buisy in 2009 having collaborated with the Heliocentrics earlier in the year. Mulatu of Ethiopia has been reissued, but if you’d like to dig deeper into his catalog, the recently released comp New York-Addis-London: The Story of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975 is about the best place you could start.

Listen to “Mascaram Setaba“

Roger Rodier
Upon Velveatur (Columbia, 1972)

Rodier was a French-Canadian singer-songwriter who released two singles in the 60’s and then this full-length in 1972. It caused no more than a ripple through the music industry and like so many other great albums was long forgotten before it was even heard. A lot of people make comparisons to Nick Drake, which is valid, but I think Rodier adds a little more depth and dimension through his lush orchestrations.

Listen to “My Spirits Calling“

Satwa
Self Titled (1973)

Satwa is the brainchild of Lula Côrtes and Lailson who created this Brazilian instrumental masterpiece in 1973. Almost entirely acoustic, the album has clear eastern influences, each tune playing like a dreamy raga. I put the beautiful “Amigo” on my Wedding Mix, but everything here is quite stunning.

Listen to “Atom“

Arthur Verocai
Self Tittled (Continental 1972)

I first heard the Arthur Verocai album about 4-5 years ago and it forever changed the way I thought about music. It’s the perfect mix of Brazilian soul, funk, folk, electronic and symphonic experimentation. Verocai was a man with a vision, a man who went through the motions to amazing effect for the countless musicians he helped produce and orchestrate, yet all along he was saving the mind boggling material for his only solo effort in 1972 (he did release a follow-up called Encore in 2007).

This album has been #1 on my want list for years, and of course it turns out to be one of the rarest records in the world. Thinking it was all just a pipe dream, a copy finally found it’s way on ebay in the Fall of 2008. Shit! I wanted it so bad, and I knew there were hoards of collectors just like me who had been waiting years for a copy to surface, its legacy only growing since the last time it was on the Bay. Well, long story short, I didn’t end up getting the copy on ebay (it actually went to avid Brazilian collector DJ Ferarri), but fate extended its hand and miraculously I managed to track down a copy not too long after.

I could go on at length about how great every song is, but trust me, this album is truly special. As a fellow Soulstrutter put it in a thread dedicated to this album’s greatness: “You diss Verocai, you diss yourself.”

Listen to “Presente Grego“

Into The Fire: An African Mix

Monday, November 30, 2009

M y first exposure to African music (and I think this is true for a lot of people) was Fela Kuti. His records regularly, albeit inaccurately, show up in funk bins and through the years I’ve obtained a bunch of his titles. Ignorantly, I thought that Fela Kuti was the end of the road for African music and it wasn’t until many years later that I realized Africa has one of the richest music histories; Kuti was just the gateway drug.

african_funk

My infatuation with African music started a little over a year ago when I stumbled upon a comp called Ghana Soundz released by UK based Soundway Records. The comp explored rare, and for many, previously unheard of afro-beat, afro-funk and afro-fusion sounds from Ghana. I had also recently discovered Voodoo Funk, Frank Gossner’s blog documenting his time living in Africa with the sole mission of re-discovering Africa’s long lost archives of music. In some cases he sourced and found many of the artists who’s records he unearthed in dusty basements and abandoned warehouses. The stories of his travels are fascinating enough to write a book about, and in actuality, director Leigh Iacobucci followed Gossner during some of his time in Africa and will be releasing a documentary called Take Me Away Fast (see trailer below).

“Take Me Away Fast” Trailer from Leigh Iacobucci on Vimeo.

Frank also has a ton of mixes up on his blog highlighting some of his African finds. Some of my favorites are his Big Beats, Sweet Talks, and Psychedelic Aliens, Everybody Get Down and African Heat mixes, although they are all pretty fantastic. I’ve learned a lot from his blog and mixes alone, not to mention scored a bunch of great African titles from him. He also has had his hand in a number of reissue projects, including the amazing reissue of Pax Nicholas’ uber rare solo album, Na Teef Know the Road of Teef.

poly_rythmo

Everyone seems to be catching on to the hypnotic quality of African music as Soundway continues to release superb compilations (their latest Ghana Special is a must have) as well as Analog Africa, who’s comps are amongst the best across any genre. Academy Records has also recently reissued three rare African records, Ofege’s Try and Love, one of the best psychedelic Afro records out there, as well as SJOB Movement’s A Move in the Right Direction and Mebusas’ Blood Brothers. These compilations and reissues are a great place to start exploring the depths of African music, although I must warn you: addiction may ensue.

For the past year I’ve focused most of my attention on African records, and to punctuate this post I’ve made my first African mix. There is no real focus to this mix, just tracks that I dig and think may be a good introduction to the African sound. I am by no means an expert on African music, but strongly believe that stuff like this needs to be preserved, remembered and heard by anyone willing to listen. I hope you enjoy it.

Download Into the Fire

into_the_fire

Into the Fire Tracklisting:
01. Bob Pinodo – Africa
(from Show Master of Africa, 1978)
02. Uhuru Dance Band – Biribi
(from The Sound of Africa, 1975)
03. Bunzu Soundz – Zinabu
(from Bunzu Soundz, 1977)
04. Ogyatanaa – Akosua Manu
(from Yerefrefre, 1975)
05. Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou – Minsatole Mi Dayi Homin
(from Volume 1, 1972/1983)
06. Orchestre Picoby Band – Jo Ahi Nou Se
(from Jo Ahi Nou Se/Vikoue 7″, 197?)
07. The Big Beats – Kyenkyema
(from Kyenkyema/Mi Nsumoo Bo Donn 7″, 197?)
08. K Frimpong & His Cubano Fiestas – Kyenkyen Bi Adi M’awu
(from Self Titled, 1976)
09. Ebo Taylor – Heaven
(from Self Titled, 1978)
10. Sweet Talks – Eyi Su Ngaangaa
(from The Kusum Beat, 1976)
11. Dan Satch – Je Nr’okan
(from Je Nr’okan/Woman Pin Down 7″, 1971)
12. Avolonto Honore – Na Mi Do Gbe Hue Nu
(from La Mort N’a Pas De Date Fixe, 197?)
13. The Funkees – Break Through
(from Break Through/Slipping Into Darkness 7″, 197?)
14. One World – I Need Your Help
(from Victory, 197?)
15. The Apostles – Play Girl
(from Self Titled, 197?)
16. SJOB Movement – You Only Live Once
(from A Move in the Right Direction, 197?)
17. Thony Shorby Nwenyi – No Wrong Show
(from Sweet Funk Music, 1978)
18. Akeeb Kareem – Tomorrow
(from Blackman, 1972)


Somewhere in Africa

Friday, November 20, 2009

001

Somewhere in Africa is this room filled with records…… My man Frank from Voodoo Funk sent me these photos of an untapped cache of records one of his buyers in Africa found. One can only imagine how long they’ve been there and what circumstances brought them there. Regardless, this is the type of thing record collectors dream of, and nowadays rarely happens. It’s sad to see so much music disposed of like this, but luckily it’s all being excavated and shipped off to the states where they will find new homes and new ears. Again, stay tuned for an African mix. Hopefully I can get to it this weekend.

african_records_02

african_records_03


Freedom Funk

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

freedom_family

ff_back

I posted this album up on Soulstrut for their Record Day a few weeks ago and thought I’d put it up here for people to enjoy. It’s one of my favorite African records and is relatively unknown as far as I can tell. I first heard of them listening to Voodoo Funk’s Big Beats, Sweet Talks & Psychedelic Aliens mix and remember hearing that intro bass line to “Holy Worshipping” and thinking it was Eric B And Rakim’s “Paid in Full.” Off the strength of that track alone I searched high and low for a copy and when I finally tracked one down I was amazed to find that the entire album is pretty much an end to end burner. You can listen to “Holy Worshipping” below and download the entire album here. Enjoy!

Freedom Family – Tracklisting:
01. Lala Li (Happy Song)
02. Life
03. Holy Worshipping
04. Good Times
05. Ayentsoo (Woman)
06. Love Affair
07. Yensuro (No Fears)
08. Lover’s Garden
09. The Last Thing


Ghana Special: Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds, Ghanaian Blues 1968 – 1981

Friday, November 13, 2009

ghana_special

Soundways latest African comp, Ghana Special, is probably their most impressive package to date. It comes in either a 2 CD or 5LP box set of 33 original and previously un-reissued tracks from Ghana. The project took nearly ten years of on-going research in and around the cities of Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Takoradi and Kumasi, knocking on musician’s doors and visiting ex-distributors, DJs, collectors, manufacturers and shop owners who helped piece the story together. The CD comes with a 44-page booklet filled with history, photos and original record scans. An amazing accomplishment and comes highly highly recommended. Check the sample below.

CD 1:

1. The Mercury Dance Band – Kai Wawa
2. T. O. Jazz – Owuo Adaadaa Me
3. Christy Azuma & Uppers International – Din Ya Sugri
4. The Barbecues – Aaya Lolo
5. Asaase Ase – Ohiani Sua Efir
6. St. Peter & The Holymen – Bofoo Beye Abowa Den
7. City Boys Band – Nya Asem Hwe
8. Hedzoleh Soundz – Edinya Benya
9. The Cutlass Dance Band – HweHwe Mu Yi Mpena
10. Dr. K. Gyasi & His Noble Kings – Sei Nazo
11. Kyeremateng Atwede & The Kyeremateng Stars – I Go Die For You
12. Vis a Vis – Obi Agye Me Dofo
13. Ebo Taylor – Twer Nyame (excerpt)
14. The Big Beats – Mi Nsum
15. Pa Steeles African Brothers – Odo Mmera
16. The Ogyatanaa Show Band – You Monopolise Me

CD 2:

1. The African Brothers International Band – Wompe Masem
2. Gyedu-Blay Ambolley & His Creations – Akoko Ba
3. The Sweet Talks – Akampanye
4. Houghas Sorowonko – Enuanom Adofo
5. Oscar Sulley’s Nzele Soundz – Bukom
6. Bokoor Band – You Can Go
7. K. Frimpong & His Cubanos Fiestas – Kyenkyen Bi Adi MAwu
8. Basa Basa Soundz feat. Fela Anikulapo Kuti – Dr. Solutsu
9. Pagadeja – Tamale
10. Hedzolleh Soundz – Omusus Da Fe M’musu
11. The Uhuru Dance Band – Yahyia Mu
12. Dr. K. Gyasi & His Noble Kings – Noble Kings (Yako Aba)
13. The Wellis Band – Bindiga
14. Boombaya – Boombaya
15. Sawaaba Soundz – Owuo
16. The Cutlass Dance Band – Them Go Talk Of You
17. Honny & The Bees Band – Sisi Mbon

Basa Basa Band

Ebo Taylor091112_Soundway_Ghana_Special


The Afrofunk Expressway

Friday, August 28, 2009

afrofunk_expressway2

International record dealer extraordinaire, Paulo of Superfly Records, recently put together this mix for Paris DJs, one of my favorite sites for mixes. Known for his record excavations from all corners of the globe, he stocks some of the coolest and rarest vinyl at his online shop (soon to be re-launched). Needless to say, I definitely owe a small chunk of my collection to that man.Paulo’s been busy putting together mixes using records he’s pulled on recent trips to Africa, this being the second in his Afrofunk Expressway series. The first volume in addition to another African mix can be downloaded at www.parisdjs.com.

African music is quickly becoming a bit of an obsession of mine, and I’m busy planning an African mix of my own for the site. Until then, I wanted to post this mix to get the African vibes out there. Hope you like it.

Tracklisting:

01. Hamad Kalkaba – Astadjam Dada Sare
(from ‘North Cameroun Rythms’ LP, 19?? / Sonafric) CAMEROON
02. Afro Soul System – Tink Tank
(from ‘Wale Begun Coki’ 7 inch, 197? / SID) BURKINA FASO
» more info on jammagica.blogspot.com «
03. Orchestre Abass – Samarin Banza
(from ‘Samarin Banza’ 7 inch, 1972 / Polydor) TOGO
04. Wrinkar Experience – Sound Way)
(from ‘Fuel for Love’ 7 inch, 1972 / EMI) NIGERIA
» more info on jammagica.blogspot.com «
05. The Big Beats – Afro Pride
(from ‘Afro Pride’ 7 inch, 19?? / Polydor) GHANA
06. The Funkees – Acid Rock
(from ‘My First Date’ 7 inch, 1971 / HMV) NIGERIA
» more info on parisdjs.com «
07. Aktion – Centipede
(from ‘Clover – Come Together Vol.1′ compilation) NIGERIA
08. Effi Duke & The Love Family – The Time Is Come
(from ‘Mr. Love’ LP, 1980 / Homzy) NIGERIA
09. Traore Seydou Richard Et Les Vaudou Du Flamboyant – Katougou
(from ‘Mousso’ 7 inch, 19?? / Edition Volta Discobel) BURKINA FASO
» more info on lefaso.net «
10. Cisse Abdoulaye et Le Super Volta de La Capitale – Kodjougou
(from ‘Koyembolo’ 7 inch, 1977 / Club Voltaique du Disque) BURKINA FASO
» more info on radioafrica.com.au or on lefaso.net «
11. Orchestre T.P. Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou Benin – Wodeka Roe
(from ‘Vol. 1′ LP, 1983 / Albarika Store) BENIN
» more info on jammagica.blogspot.com «
12. Ceejebs – Eti-Ufok
(from ‘Eti-Ufok’ 7 inch, 197? / EMI) NIGERIA
» more info on discogs.com «
13. Mamo Lagbema – Love Music And Dance
(from ‘Mamo Lagbema’ record, 19??) TOGO
14. One World – Fantasy
(from ‘Rejoice’ LP, 197? / EMI) NIGERIA
» more info on radiodiffusion.wordpress.com «

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