MUZZICALTRIPS

Goombay! - Brown Skin Gal

2012-02-13T21:39:00.000+01:00

(DECCA ED 2500).

Many orchestras in the Caribbean where initially playing in fancy hotels, and this so called "Authentic Calypso Beat of the Bahamas" is played by Beacham Coakley's Emerald Beach Hotel Orchestra (the singer is Vincent Martin). Goombay corresponds to the name of a bahamian goatskin-headed drum (different from the jamaican squared drum gumbe), but also corresponds to the style of this music which can be considered as a kind of calypso using this specific drum.

The following track "Brown skin gal" is very close to "Matilda", a 30s calypso (later becoming a famous classic after Harry Belafonte's version).

Goombay - Brown Skin Gal:

OK Jazz - Brigitta Mwasi Ya Makwela (1964)

2012-02-09T01:56:00.000+01:00

(Surboum African Jazz OK 42)

Here's an early OK Jazz 7". Always nice...

OK Jazz - Brigitta Mwasi Ya Makwela:

Muzzicaltrips in Congo mix here:

Saka Acquaye and his African Ensemble from Ghana

2012-01-30T15:07:00.000+01:00

(Explorer Series H-72026).

Saka Acquaye (+2007) was an artist from Ghana who had opportunity to travel to the U.S. during the 40s and 50s, and thus contributed to the modernization process of west african music during the 60s.

The liner notes insist on how modern was this music at the time:

"(...) The new african nations have taken their place among self-governing peoples; that great cultural changes are occurring in these new nations is not surprising. In the "new" music coming out of Africa, the rich spontaneity and color of african life are magnified a hundred times. American have a vested interest in this movement, for their own music - jazz, popular, dance and religious - have drawn heavily upon african sources. Actually the new african music is based solidly on traditional african musical expression, adapting elements from the music of the colonial powers which have governed these people. (...) Saka Acquaye and his African Ensemble furnish a striking example of present-day interaction between cultures. American jazz and popular music have now returned to Africa and are influencing the music that gave birth to them."

The great cover art from Elaine Gongora illustrates this message of modernity co-existing with secular traditions.

Concerning the following track, it has been composed to contrast the music from the Pygmies and from the Watusi (derived from Tutsi, supposed to be the tallest people in Africa).

Saka Acquaye and his african ensemble from Ghana - Congo beat:

Saka Acquai: drums, flute and tenor sax
Garvine Masseaux: vibes and drums
George Brooks: double bass
Edward Cooper: trumpet and mellophone
Wilfred Letman: trumpet
Charles Earland: tenor sax
Walter Miller: guitar
Robert Crowder, Joseph Acquai, Benny Parkes, Sunny Morgan: drums

Pico Culture #02 - MIX /// Terapia Africana Mix (a selection of pico african hits)

2012-01-26T17:00:00.001+01:00

From the 70s, while the soundsystem culture was developing, more and more african records arrived on the coast due to increasing commercial exchanges between international harbors.

Some african songs became hits, african styles being surnamed: nova for highlife tracks, rastrillo for kenyan tracks... It was such a big success for the youth of Cartagena and Baranquilla that even each popular song received his own surname. Also several tracks have been bootlegged in terapia/champeta compilations (which leads to find improbable records including a pure benga followed by an awful 80s techno), and not always credited the original artist/title, but just the local surname known by everybody.

That's the reason of this special selection, composed only of african tracks (Liberia, Angola, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Zaire). These tunes are popular in Baranquilla's southern barrios, as long as you speak about: la botellita, el serrucho, la guitarrita, la mecedora, la munequita, el rastrillo, el beto, los palitos, la pipona, el ejen, el akien, la llorona...

What is particularly appreciated is when the song enters in a specific rhythm, where remains guitar and a streamlined drums giving a kind of gliding atmosphere (this is called "el repique", and many african records lovers in Colombia are crazy about it).

Terapia Africana Mix (70min):

to be followed there: Pico Culture #03
previous post: Pico Culture #01

Lyrichord label discography

2012-01-26T16:57:00.000+01:00

Here's the releases list y of Ethnies Series from this label focussed on world and classical music.

Ray Perez y sus Kenyas - Uvas Verdes (1968)

2012-01-20T17:52:00.000+01:00

(Pyraphon LP 3352)

This seems to be the 2nd LP from an ephemera band (68-72) from Caracas called Los Kenya(s). Band leader was the pianist Ramon E. (Ray) Perez, who previously played with Los Dementes, and then played in New York with various figures as Ray Barretto, Cheo Feliciano, Cortijo, Patato...

Their blend of descarga, guaracha, latinjazz is both smooth and energetic due to quality of musicians, including 2 trumpet players, and a drummer replacing the timbalero usually present in this latin production style. Particularly on following groove, with an inimitable voice and way of singing.

Ray Perez y sus Kenyas - Uvas Verdes:

Luis Lewis: trumpet
Luis Arias: trumpet
Alberto Naranjo: drums
Pedro Garcia: conga
Miguel Silva: bass
Memin: bongo
Ray Perez: piano, coros
Carlin, Victor Piner: coros

Glele Edmond & Aballo Antoine - Jeanne Yi

2012-01-16T11:42:00.000+01:00

(DN N°3)

A nice tune from Benin with Orchestre Poly Ritmo as backing band.

Glele Edmond, Aballo Antoine, Orch. Poly Ritmo - Jeanne Yi:

Toquinho - Carolina

2012-01-14T13:08:00.001+01:00

Just a brazilian groove classic... simply Toquinho!

Toquinho - Carolina Carol Bela:

Francis Bebey - Concert pour un Vieux Masque (1980)

2012-01-14T12:35:00.000+01:00

(Philips 70.468)

This is a guitar recital, composed and played by Cameroon's multi-artist Francis Bebey. As always with Bebey, it's poetic, sharp and meaningful... (have a look at the enlightening liner notes in french/english).

Face A:

Face B:

Following a representation of this guitar piece in Martinique, he exchanged with young black man about meaning and conclusions of Bebey's message, which led to a book/poem inspired from the music and this discussion. It tells the story of a personified old mask brought from Africa/Angola to Brazil/Bahia, who finally suicided due to this disrooting. In an allegorical way, Bebey's writings question the identity of african diaspora.

Pico Culture #01 - Introducing "El Pico"

2011-12-27T15:16:00.004+01:00

A very interesting cultural aspect on the colombian caribbean coast, particularly in Cartagena and Baranquilla is the Pico Culture. A Pico is a soundsystem that usually plays vinyls (very loud!) during weekends. It developed on the coast from the 60s and evolved up to now with different influences during each decade. The caribbean coast has always been for Colombia the "front door" for other countries, so Baranquilla as principal harbor, received influences (and records) from all around the caribbean and also from Africa. As result, big proportion of the music played is african vinyls from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zaire, Angola (some DJs play 100% african music). But the selection can also be very diverse (cumbia, gaita, guaguanco, pachanga, tumbele, calypso, reggae... ), demonstrating importance of this crossroad within black atlantic interconnections. In parallel, it also developed a local style played on the soundsystems, initially called "Terapia" then "Champeta". Althoug corresponding more to a "80s sound" (including effects and new technical possibilities), it reveals amazing soukous influences which contributed to a kind of renewing of the african consciousness in popular areas of Cartagena and Baranquilla.

I do not pretend to describe here it all, as its richness makes it an infinite task, but I'll just try to enlighten some aspects discovered during researches in Baranquilla.

Lets begin with a Pico from the 70s, La Salsa de Puerto Rico, from barrio El Bosque.

This is an original pico created in 1977, three brothers from the family are into pico, and the soundsystem still operates on weekends in the family "cantina". Musical selection, depending on the people in the place (some customers ask for specific tracks, and pay attention that it is played in vinyl), goes from guaguanco and salsa to cumbia and porro. But the main interest goes to african old records such as Kabaka, Oliver De Coque, and the following kenyan song, which is a real hit in Baranquilla. As many african hits, it has been renamed in spanish so is known as "La Mecedora" (meaning the rocking chair).

Orchestra Viva Makale - Safari (La Mecedora):

Old style tube amplifier is still operating, sending big fat sound to the speakers wall.

To discover more about the pico culture, I warmly recommend Fabian Altahona's blog: africolombia.
to be followed there: Pico Culture #02

Charles Fox - Blue Pachanga (1963)

2011-12-22T23:16:00.000+01:00

(Gema 1183)

When the famous american composer Charles Fox plays "Just For Fun", it results a nice and sharp latin album from 1963, influenced both by classical and jazz elements.

When he plays seriously, he's the man who composed the song "Killing Me Softly", but also the music for TV series as "Happy Days" or "The Love Boat"...

As you can guess listening to this jazzy "Blue Pachanga", I prefer when he's playing for fun... even if it does include easy pun on the LP cover ("el zorro del ritmo" means "the rhythm's fox").

Charles Fox and his Chanranga play Just For Fun - Blue Pachanga:

Credits:

Charles Fox: piano
Bobby Rodriguez: bass
Jimmy Loro: timbales
Franck Malibe: conga
Luis Ramirez: guiro
Elliot Romero, Manny Roman, Rudy Calzado: voices
Daniel Gonzales, Lionel Cantizano, Jose Andrea, Carlos Piantini, Henri Dicecco: violin

Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey and his international brothers (1972)

2011-12-16T11:20:00.003+01:00

(DECCA WAP38).

Juju music takes his roots in Yoruba secular rhythms, adding electric guitar to the talking drum. It became popular in Nigeria from the 50s and is rather related to nigerian christians (in parelel to Fuji music more in muslim environnement). It was performed live in "ariya" (ceremonies to celebrate weddings, birthdays, funerals...) but also for wealthy audiences in the hotels as modernized style of the time.

Chief Ebenezer Obey is a master of Juju, and in this LP he demonstrates a real "musical wizardry". As often, the cover picture is representative to the music: a stlylish example of tradition and modernity mix (african traditional clothes with brand new electric guitar and big watch).

Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey - A

Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey - B

Perico Langosta y sus Tropicales - Pan con Pescao

2011-12-13T14:17:00.000+01:00

(EPIC 46478)

This 7" is made in Colombia but the music comes from peruvian label Sono Radio (Also on the B side are Los Diablos Rojos). Irresistible track with perfect jazzy feeling guitar . Enjoy!

Perico Langosta y sus Tropicales - Pan con Pescao:

Charlie Sekato & Orchestre Les As du Benin (1981)

2011-12-11T14:53:00.002+01:00

(BAM LP-1002/81)

This album has been recorded in Togo, includes the Orchestre les As du Benin, but is produced by Abidjan label Bam Records. I don't know where Charlie Sekato comes from, but he gives here a Ziglibity track, typical rhythm from Ivory Coast popularized by Ernesto Djedje.

Charlie Sekato - N'Kame Ourou-sebane:

Codiscos: "Un mundo de musica para un mundo feliz"

2011-12-10T12:20:00.000+01:00

The colombian label Codiscos found a really nice catchphrase: "A world of music for a world of happiness". The map showing different collaborations with foreign labels is just a slight illustration on how open to external influences Colombia was (the map is from 1970).

Codiscos was funded in 1950, and had his own recording studio from 1958, which also allowed to record many local artists, including the various waves of vallenato through the sublabel Costeño from the 70s.

Bluecky d'Almeida - Unité Africaine

2011-12-08T12:59:00.000+01:00

(Aux Ecoutes DB004)

"African Unity" has been a recurrent subject in post independance lyrics: many songs are direct reflect from Nkwame Nkrumah's political commitment for pan-africanism. Here's an example from Benin by Bluecky d'Almeida, with El Rego et ses Astronautes de Cotonou as backing band. The 7" is an early release of Mr. Lawani's label Aux Ecoutes.

Basically what he says in the part sung in french is that the remedy from colonialism, secessionism, racial discrimination is african unity (and also that praying is not sufficient...).

Bluecky d'Almeida - Unité Africaine:

Conjunto Miramar - Carruseles (Grabaciones Ondina)

2011-12-05T16:02:00.000+01:00

(dia 1505 - grabaciones Ondina)

Let's follow the trip in Colombia with a cumbia from Medellin. This record is the LP from Conjunto Miramar (from the early 60s, then the band was renamed Sexteto Mirarmar), where the accordion takes his place not only on cumbia songs but also on a variety of great afrocaribbean rhythms played by the conjunto (guaracha, guajira, porro, pregon, son montuno).

Conjunto Miramar - Reina de Cumbias:

And here's one of the great sleeves from Ondina label:

Los Revolucionarios (Alfredo Gutierrez) - Esa Mulata

2011-11-28T02:23:00.000+01:00

Costeño LDZ-20516

Just coming back from Colombia, a huge musical country... Many investigations and many interesting material to share on the blog, particularly on african influence in the caribeean coast.

But as first comeback post, I'll just share a track i love, from Alfredo Gutierrez and Los Revolucionarios. He was a colombian accordionist recording a significant discography from cumbia to vallenato, with Los Corraleros de Majagual in the lates 60s and then as band leader. This LP is open to extra-colombian influences as boogaloo and latin jazz, but remains deeply colombian rhythmically and also thanks to the accordion touch. I guess the album is previous to 1974, year he changed label from Codiscos to Fuentes.

Lo Revolucionarios - Esa Mulata:

Oriental Brothers International Band (1977)

2011-09-30T09:39:00.002+02:00

DWAPS 2034

Three brothers from south-east of Nigeria founded the Oriental Brothers band: Godwin Kabaka Opara (who left in 1977 before this LP), C. Ezebuiro Obinna (surnamed "Warrior") and F. Dansatch Opara. At this time Nigeria was more with Juju and Fuji, but as a major highlife band in the country, Oriental Brothers band remained recording great albums with hypnotic and evolving guitars and percussions.

A Origbu Onye Ozo:

B Ihe Eme Uwa Adimma:

Viglietti - Tropicos (1974)

2011-09-29T09:53:00.002+02:00

Daniel Viglietti (1939) is a very popular and politically committed artist from Uruguay. He experienced jail in 1972 due to his socialist views and had to exile during military dictatorship (1973-84), which led him to travel worldwide denouncing uruguayan situation with his songs.

This LP has been recorded in Barcelona and includes Chappotin as trumpet player. First track is a cover from a brazilian artist (Edu Lobo) and the following is a radical and poetic protest song based on a Bertold Brecht poem.

Viglietti - Upa Negrito:

Viglietti - Yo vivo en un tiempo de guerra:

Orchestre Lovy du Zaire - Conseil d'Ami (1972)

2011-09-27T17:28:00.004+02:00

african 90.598

VICLONG 27

Congolese musicians also took inspiration from the US, playing here a bluesy song which introduction can remind "this is a man's world". Really smooth and deep.

Orchestre Lovy du Zaire - Conseil d'Ami:

dld

Les Docteurs du Rythme - Haiti Goes Latin

2011-09-22T19:24:00.001+02:00

ANSONIA SALP 1538

Michel Desgrottes (1923-1993) worked with Guy Durosier in Hotel Rivera orchestra in the 50s. This 60s LP is based on french popular themes brought back by producer Jean Huc and played in a haitian latin style. But Michel Desgrottes' own composition "Ce Pas Fot Moin" is an irresistible jazzy mambo sung in Creole.

Les Docteurs du Rythme - Ce pas fot moin:

Okok Rachar Band (1977)

2011-09-20T12:01:00.001+02:00

JICCO JCLP 017

I have few information about this band and record, but it's just great music from Kenya (benga music) released on the nigerian label Jicco.

Okok Rachar Band - Philip Odingo:

MIX /// Muzzicaltrips In Congo (1966-74)

2011-09-07T07:38:00.003+02:00

A travel around really beautiful rumbas and early soukous, played by orchestras during early years of Congo under Mobutu Sese Seko. Great voices, crazy guitars, sweet horns, in various congolese styles. Selection is based on 45s from Fiesta, African and Pathe labels, which are not extremely rare to bump into in africa as generally not the styles hardly sought after by vinyl diggers, in parallel to be a bit lost in the huge congolese production.

Few comments to enlighten the 2 first tracks from OK Jazz:

"Bakajika Law" has been voted by Mobutu in 1966 and stipulates that soil and subsoil of the country belongs to congolese state. This corresponds to a key economical part of Mobutu's general (early) measures to extricate from colonial influence (grip?). Cultural part follows through a "Resort to Authenticity" campaign focussing on congolese specificities in opposition to occidental longly imposed references (which led to change name of Congo to Zaire 1971). In this song, Zimbabwean sax player Isaac Musekiwa gives spoken explanation in english of Franco's suffering singing; and message is clear: "[many] african countries are dying because of the land, so Franco wants to know why", at the same time it underlines Mobutu's Bakajika law (supposed to protect Congo land from foreigners, but also give to the government a control on soil, sometimes despite traditional local uses).

Concerning the second track "Colonel Bangala", i am also curious to know what the lyrics says as in 1966 (same year of the song) Alphonse Bangala contributed to foil a plot against Mobutu (by supposedly playing double agent), leading to public hanging of the Prime Minister and 3 other major political figures potentially inconvenient for Mobutu's projects...

So if someone knows lingala, pls give us some light... In any case, enjoy the music.

Muzzicaltrips in Congo (53 min):

download mix

Tracklist and covers:

01. Orchestre OK Jazz / Franco - La Loi Bakajika (1970)

02. Orchestre OK Jazz / Franco - Colonel Bangala (1966)

03. Orchestre Succes Bantou - Liwanza (1973)

04. Orchestre Conga / Johnny Bokelo - Navanda Ndumba (1969)

05. Orchestre Veve / Verkys - Yaka Tobongisa (1969)

06. Orchestre Makina Loka - Zibola 2 (1974)

07. Orchestre Sosoliso / Trio Madjesi - Sexy Madjesi 2 (1973)

08. Orchestre GO Malebo - Vive Faza 2 (1974)

09. Bantous de la Capitale - Gigi (1969)

10. Orchestre Elegance Jazz - Okomi Tshelule (1974)

11. Orchestre Veve / Dynamite Verckys - Zonga Vonvon (1972)

download mix

Azuquita Y Su Orchesta - Guajiro Bacan (1975)

2011-09-06T18:21:00.002+02:00

VAYA VS34

Vaya records is a NY based label created in 1971 as sub-label from Fania records, with a focus on latin artists and productions with soul funk and jazz orientations. Here's a good illustration with an Azuquita track full of various influences: superfunky guitar, roots afrocuban voices and drums, and guaguanco rhythm (original song was composed by Saoco).

All is resumed in the singer's introduction: "This is the story of a guajiro, who went out the jungle searching out new horizons"

Azuquita y su orquesta - Guajiro Bacan:

read more:

Mauricio Smith: musical director
Guillermo Edgehill: bass
Rodgers Grant: fender rhodes
Joe Beck: lead guitar
Kako: conga, bongo
Jimmy Johnson: drums
Louie Ramirez: timbales
Frankie Malabe: congas
Paul Cohen: trumpet
Barry Rogers: trombone
Adalbeto Santiago: coro, percussion
Jimmy Sabater: coro
Bobby Marin: coro, percussion
Azuquita: lead vocal

Synchro Rythmic Ecclectic Language

2011-09-02T11:17:00.001+02:00

SONG RECORDS SR 04

This atypical afro-caribean jazzfunk band includes great musicians as George Edouard Nouel (keyboard), Louis Xavier (bass), Jo Maka (sax). A really groovy blend of influences...

Synchro Rythmic Ecclectic Language - Sipote:

Okoi Seka Athanase L'Empereur du Kete Rock (1977)

2011-08-24T20:13:00.001+02:00

Badmos BLP 50

Okoi Seka Athanase recorded this wonderfull album in Decca studio (Lagos) with help of Black Santiagos horn section. This goes from deep afro soul to highlife and soukous.

Okoi Seka Athanase - Melokon Membun Ou:

Okoi Seka Athanase - Atto E Kokoin Manh:

Balla Onivogui - Paulette (1980)

2011-08-21T19:11:00.002+02:00

Syliphone SLP75

To recall Balla Ovinogui's memory who left us few time ago (march 2011), lets share one of Balla et ses Balladins late LP from 1980.

This track shows great performance of the 2 singers Manfila Soba Kante and Emile Soumah, but horns and guitars are also just perfect. I think they reached the announced objective...

Balla et ses Balladins - Paulette:

Eba Aka Jerome - Trahison vol. 1 (1978)

2011-08-17T07:38:00.001+02:00

PAPA-DISCO 001

A great soukous track from Ivory Coast, with interesting lyrics dealing with cheating in a couple (trahison = betrayal).

Eba Aka Jerome - Trahison:

Archimedes Badkar and Afro 70 - Kila Mtu (1978)

2011-08-16T05:26:00.001+02:00

MNW 91P

This swedish band led by Patrick Pama Balisidya (guitar, vocals) and Bengt Berger (drums) plays ethnic jazz and delivers some serious afrofunk on Kila Mtu (which means "everybody").

Archimedes Badkar - Kila Mtu:

Perucho Conde - la Cotorra Criolla (1980)

2011-08-10T16:54:00.001+02:00

EPIC EPC8899

A bonus track from the 45rpms found in Barcelona...

And here's a crazyness made in 1980 in Caracas: an humorist rapping in spanish on a fat disco instrumental. When first hip hop from the US arrived in Venezuela it was surnamed "musica cotorra" (cotorra = parrot) I guess because of the singers flow. So Peruche Conde made a hip hop typically from Venezuela with this hit "la cotorra criolla" (criolla = creole). Lyrics are very funny, but behind the humoristic approach, it's a real social and protest song (!) denouncing poor living conditions (prices increase, low salaries, no social welfare, pre-election promises...).

Purucho Conde - La Cotorra Crilloa:

MIX /// latin 45rpms found in Barcelona

2011-08-10T16:53:00.001+02:00

I came back recently to Barcelona and had time to dig a bit some latin records in old crates...

Muzzicaltrips Mix /// 45rpms found in Barcelona (24min):

00. Intro

01. Los Dominicanos - Cumbia de España (spain)

02. Baldomero Leon - La Pollera Colora (venezuela)

03. Los Sonccosapa - Linda Yolita (peru)

04. Mario Cavagnaro y su Sonora Sensacion - Banranquillerita (peru)

05. Perez Prado - Mambo Japones (cuba)

06. Jose Curbelo - La La La (cuba / us)

07. Typical Trinidad Orchestra - Si Si No No (fr?)

08. Hugo Blanco - Moliendo Cafe (venezuela)

09. Marimba Orchesta Gallito - La Profesora (guatemala)

10. Damiron - Fuego Tropical (dominican rep.)

Milton Nascimento - Cade (1974)

2011-08-10T16:42:00.001+02:00

Q7B-652

Here's a brazilian 7" extract from Milton Nascimento's album "Milagre Dos Peixes". The album has been also recorded live with Som Imaginario band. It corresponds to the guitarist's international recognition period, as released the same year he appeared on Wayne Shorter's "Native Dancer". Very nice brazilian jazzfunk track with psych touches on voices by Nico e Telo.

Milton Nascimento - Cade:

MIX /// Jazz & Palmwine vol. 1

2011-07-04T12:47:00.004+02:00

A colored and jazzy trip with afro, latin and caribbean flavors.

Jazz and Palmwine (59min):

Guadeloupe Reflexions - Guadeloupe Reflexions (1980)

Count Basie and his Orchestra - Kilimandjaro (1971)

Quartette Tres Bien - Kilimandjaro (1964)

Sonny Rollins - Jungoso (1962)

Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers - Cubano Chant (1957)

Randy Weston African Rhythms - Con Alma (1969)

Ahmad Jamal - Haitian Market Place (1963)

Herbie Mann Afro-jazz Sextet - Night In Tunisia (1960)

Cannonball Adderley and the Bossa Rio Sextet - Groovy Samba (1962)

Horace Silver Quintet plus J.J. Johnson - The African Queen (1965)

Covers:

Cora Funk (1978)

2011-06-21T00:55:00.002+02:00

ER-00005

The introduction of cora and djembe in an american disco-funk production is not always easy to achieve coherently, but here the blend of influences works pretty well, with strong african influence, thanks to top class musicians involved:

Lamine Konte (Senegal): voice, composition, cora
Fode Drame (Senegal): cora
Aisha Kone (Ivory Coast): bckg vocals
Amadou Doucoure: guitar
Fred Wesley: trombone
Gregg Middleton: bass
Wes Blackman: guitar
Hiroshi Upshir: keyboards
Ernie Fieds Jr: sax
Nolan Smith: trumpet
Nii Aye Yaw Aseidu: Djembe

Cora Funk - Sabuma:

album

Like several Eboni LPs, cover design is realized by M. Greenfield

Benga music / Daniel Owino and th DO-7 Shirati Jazz Band - Sheroline(1976)

2011-06-13T10:31:00.001+02:00

DO7 LP3100

Nyatiti is the name of the eight-string lyre used in Luo region of Kenya (Lake Victoria area). The syncopated play of this traditional instrument inspired guitar players exploring electric instruments possibilities in the 60s, leading to a new major style in Kenya and Tanzania: Benga music.

Daniel Owino Misiani (1940-2006) was born in the Shirati region, on the Victoria Lake shore on the tanzanian side. Based in Nairobi from 1964, he was one of the principal musicians developing Benga, recording hits with Shirati Jazz Band during the 70s and 80s.

DO7 Shirati Jazz Band - Jaa (Part 1 and 2):

Orch. DO7 Shirati Jazz discography on kentanza.com

Daniel Owino Misiani interview about future of Benga music:

Francis Bebey - Africa Sanza (1982)

2011-06-09T17:29:00.000+02:00

OZIL 3312

Guitar player, singer, composer, writter... Francis Bebey (1929-2001) takes a trip back here to the roots of his african music, playing only sanza (instrument on the picture), flutes and drums on this album. Although, exploring these traditional patterns allows him to produce universal sounds, which was one of Francis Bebey aspirations.

Francis Bebey - Africa Senza:

(2 senzas, 2 flutes, 1 drum)

Caraibes Jazz Ensemble (1986)

2011-06-09T17:28:00.000+02:00

FLVM 3086

Breeze is a rare creole jazz fusion album from the 80s. Recording took place in Henri Debs studio in Guadeloupe.

Caraibes Jazz Ensemble - For You:

Credits:
Georges Juraver: drums
Frederic Caracas: bass
François Quillin: keyboard
Germain Cece: sax
Guests:
Happy Lewis: trumpet
Olivier Vamur: flute
Charly Lamotte: perc.

The Bukky Leo Quintet (1989)

2011-06-08T13:04:00.001+02:00

Afrojazz has been produced by late 80s acidjazz crazy activists Gilles Peterson and Eddie Piller. This is the case with this track from the quintet led by Bukky Leo, a nigerian sax player based in UK. I am not aware of any other release of this tune than in this Totally Wired acid jazz compilation (JAZ ID 13LP).

Bukky Leo released more recently a kind of "new afrobeat from london" album (Mr bongo 2006), nice but not to be compared to this junglejazz trip...

The Bukky Leo Quintet - Olumo Rock:

Quintet:
Bukky Leo: saxes
Winston Clifford: drums
Roland Perry: keyboards
Gary Hammond: perc
Ernest Moley: bass

Following are original pictures from acid jazz late 80s parties in London, The Dingwalls Jazz Possee, sunday afternoons, Camden Lock N.W.1

I really like the "right attitude" adviced on the back cover:
"Enough trouble all around the world.
Go out, go party, don't worry about it.
Go home, think, do something about it.
This album is for people with the right attitude.
Enjoy."

Orchestre G.O. Malebo - Vive Faza (DIABIM 4)

2011-06-05T15:45:00.000+02:00

AFRICAN 90.781

This band has been created in the 70s by African Jazz sax player Samu Bakula, G. O. meaning "Giant Orchestra" (Geant Orchestre).
This really hypnotic congolese break has been composed and is sung by Menghe Mulyampene.

Orchestre G.O. Malebo - Vive Faza (part 2):

Le Sahel Revival in Dakar!!!

2011-06-01T09:16:00.008+02:00

This is a very special post as something big is happening in Dakar right now... The mythic band Le Sahel will play live again next this week.

Le Sahel, named from the club they were playing during the mid 70s, was composed by master musicians and mixed latin rhythms and sabar, giving birth to a unique senegalese style.

After more than 30 years, Dakar based label Teranga Beat, released some of 70s recordings from Idrissa Diop and Cheikh Tidiane Tall (including some never edited tracks!), and is now bringing this band back to life.

Original band musicians playing this week:

Idrissa Diop: vocals
Chekh Tall: keyboard
Thierno Koite: sax
Additional musicians:

Wilfried Zinsou: trombone

Augustin N'Dione (Cheikh M'Backe): tumba

Serigne Mattar Dieng: drums

Abdoul Aziz N'Diaye: guitar

Ousman Diaw: bass

Marieme Fall: chorist

Le Sahel - Caridad:

From the album Bamba (MUSICLUB, 1975)

Cheikh Tidiane Tall: guitar, keyboard
Seydina Ihsa Wade: guitar
Willy Sakho: bass
Djiguy Diabate: drums
Alassane N'doye: conga
Thierno Koite: sax, flute
Emmanuel Batta: trombone
Jean N'Diaye: trumpet
Papa Djiby Ba: vocals, guiro
Rene Cabral: vocals

Sabu Martinez - Jazz Espagnole (1961)

2011-05-30T01:43:00.000+02:00

ALLEGRE EAB-145

One of the best latin(and)jazz LP from the cuban conga player Sabu Martinez (1930-1979). The album is produced by Al Santiago, Allegre label founder. Sabu played this session with Frankie Malangre's band, including:

Marty Sheller: Trumpet

Bobby Porcelli: Alto sax

Arty Jenkins: Piano

Bill Slater: bass

(Percussion: Sabu Martinez, Louie Ramirez, Ernie Newsum)

Various descargas, cha cha and mambos, make the whole records enjoyable, remaining always jazzy and groovy, like following samba inspired track.

Sabu Martinez - I remember Carmen:

Gil Scott-Heron RIP (1949-2011) - Peace Go With You, Brother

2011-05-30T01:41:00.001+02:00

Gil Scott-Heron just died 2 days ago. In order to remember this major RAP (Rhythm And Poetry) figure, I just selected 5 tracks from my favorite albums: "Peace Go With You, Brother" for a spiritual funeral, "Who'll Pay Reparation On My Soul?" for the afro-american militancy, "Lady Day and John Coltrane" for the soul and jazz inspiration, "The Bottle" for the funky percussive groove.

Winter In America

Strata-East, 1976

Gil Scott-Heron - Peace Go With You, Brother:

Small Talk at 125th and Lennox

Flying Dutchman, 1970

Gil Scott-Heron - Who'll Pay Reparation On My Soul?:

Pieces Of A Man

Flying Dutchman, 1971

Gil Scott-Heron - Lady Day And John Coltrane:

It's Your World (Live Album)

ARISTA, 1976

Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson - The Bottle (Live):

African Soul Band - Nande (197x)

2011-05-25T14:45:00.001+02:00

MD 001

Rare private production realized in France. It cannot be considered as african music while listening to the "occidental-sounding" arrangements including violins... but the singer may be from Senegal (he's singing a melody probably inspired by "lale kouma", a senegalese traditional song). Anyway, a really nice funky fusion tune.

African Soul Band - Nande:

Bonga / Tiao / Jo Maka - Racines (1978)

2011-05-23T21:38:00.001+02:00

PLAYA SOUND SF202

A kind of "Black Atlantic" musical mixture is here well represented with this album from Bonga (Angola), Tiao Tocha Perazzo (Brazil) and Jo Maka (Guinea). Slaves from Benin, Angola and Congo were transplanted in brasilian Nordeste. From these african roots, afro-brazilian generations developed both sacred music (candomble) and popular music (samba). This album is a nice way to meet up again musically.

Bonga / Tiao / Jo Maka - No speed limit:

Credits:
Tiao Rocha Perrazo: voice, guitar, berimbau, cavaquinho
Bonga: voice, reco-reco, surdo, gaita
Jo Maka: alto and soprano sax
Rubens: bass
Ferando Falcao: surdo, triangle

African Woman / Lady (1974)

2011-05-23T11:25:00.002+02:00

negram NR-110

Here's another Fela Kuti afrobeat cover, from an artist from West Indies (Suriname; record produced in Holland).

Johnny and his Orquesta Rodriguez - African Woman:

Lady lyrics:

If you call am woman
African woman no go 'gree
She go say, she go say, "I be Lady o"

[Chorus]
She go say, "I be Lady o"!

She go say, "I be Lady"
She go say, "I no be woman"
She go say, "Market woman na woman"
She go say, "I be Lady"

I wan tell you about Lady
I wan tell you about Lady
I wan tell you about Lady

She go say him equal to man
She go say him get power like man
She go say anything man do himself fit do

I never tell you finish
I never tell you finish
I never tell you finish
I never tell you finish
I never tell you...

She go wan take cigar before anybody
She go wan make you open door for am
She go wan make man wash plate for am for kitchen

She wan salute man she go sit down for chair
She wan salute man she go sit down for chair
She wan sit down for table before anybody
She wan sit down for table before anybody
She wan a piece of meat before anybody
She wan a piece of meat before anybody

Call am for dance, she go dance Lady dance
Call am for dance, she go dance Lady dance
African woman go dance, she go dance the fire dance
African woman go dance, she go dance the fire dance

She know him man na master
She go cook for am
She go do anything he say

But Lady no be so
But Lady no be so
But Lady no be so
But Lady no be so

Lady na master
Lady na master
Lady na master

Les Vikings - Marchand Yo

2011-05-18T18:17:00.000+02:00

RCG 5.032

Early 70s Les Vikings de la Guadeloupe, on Aux Ondes label. A french west indies nice tropical track, Marchand Yo, composed by Shleu Shleu.

Les Vikings - Marchand Yo:

Jazz et Vin de Palme - Emmanuel Dongala

2011-04-26T13:56:00.000+02:00

Jazz et Vin de palme (Jazz and Palm wine) is composed by 8 novels from congolese writter Emmanuel Dongala who lived in the US during the 60s.

These differents texts represent opposition between Music as a liberation / politicians as oppression. Influenced by his own experiences, his writings also reflect the meeting of two different worlds (jazz is -supposed to be- from the US, palmwine from Africa). Jazz et Vin de Palme is the first african science-fiction novel, in which people from earth liberate from aliens invasion thanks to John Coltrane's jazz (!)

The last novel A Love Supreme reinforces Dongala fascination for John Coltrane. A must read for jazz lovers... (listening to following track)

John Coltrane - Acknowledgement:

A Love Supreme (1964, Impulse, prod. Bob Thiele)

John Coltrane: tenor sax

McCoy Tyner: piano

Jimmy Garrisson: bass

Elvin Jones: drums

I guess Coltrane would also appreciate to see a "disco-club DAKAR " sticker on this record.

MIX /// Kikiribu (boogaloo, cha cha, latinfunk, descarga, montuno, mapale, salsa, locuras bailables)

2011-04-11T20:31:00.004+02:00

An original latin selection full of crazy tracks from Spanish Harlem, Caracas, Lima, Bogota, La Habana...
"a fumar la pipa de la paz y bailar la danza boogaloo"...

Kikiribu (50min):

download mix

Don Barretto
Pedro Miguel y Sus Maracaibos
La Playa Sextet
Grupo Bota
Jack Costanzo
Niño Rivera
Los Girasoles
Manny Corchado
Nico Gomez
Tata Vasquez
Johnny Zamot
Antonio del Vilar
Louis Perez
The Alegre Allstars
Tito Rodriguez
Duo Ahijados

Roy Chicago and his "Abalabi Rhythm" Dandies (1961)

2011-04-11T20:14:00.002+02:00

PHILIPS 420 011

Roy Chicago (John Akintola Ademuwagun, x - 1989) plays highlife in a nigerian style, based of various nigerian floklores elements. What is particularly interesting is the introduction of talking drum, like in "Sere Fun Mi Baby", track from early sixties.

Roy Chicago and his Abalabi Rhythm dandies - Sere Fun Mi Baby:

(is the solo sax player Peter King? who was supposed to have played with Roy Chicago's band in early 60s before leaving to London...)

T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - Debrouiller n'est pas voler

2011-04-06T15:41:00.000+02:00

Albarika Store ALS 058

A very nice album from Orchestre Poly Rythmo, typical african dancefloor hit... Nice words full of humor and common sense: "trop parler c'est maladie / to speak to much is a sickness", "debrouiller n'est pas voler / to arrange does not mean to steal"...

T.P. Poly Rythmo - Debrouiller n'est pas voler:

Poly Rythmo members on this album:

The Flying Carpet Radioshow

2011-04-04T14:09:00.000+02:00

I just had a ride on a musical flying carpet, The Flying Carpet Radioshow (Radio Ciutat Vella FM 100.5 Barcelona).

An african records selection, and some context.

Listen to the radioshow:

A muzzicaltrip with ORL

Don Efra y sus muchachos - Joropiando

2011-03-31T02:33:00.003+02:00

This paseito comes from Venezuela and i guess from the Llanos region as "joropo" is the traditional style in this area.

Don Efra y sus Muchachos - Joropiando:

MIX /// Friday Night Prayer - A soulfull journey into jazz

2011-03-31T02:32:00.004+02:00

A special post with a fine jazz selection from DJ Flah vinyls basement.

Friday Night Prayer (57 min):

Tracklist:
Buster Williams – Prism

Hear O Israel – Kiddush

Placebo – Aria

Byron Morris and Unity – Sun shower

The Overton Berry ensemble – Jesus Christ Superstar Medley

Ralph Thomas – Big Spliff

The Lloyd McNeill Quartet – Dig Where Dat’sat

P.E. Hewitt Jazz Ensemble – It’sGotTwoNames And That’sAlright

Albert Ayler – Heart Love

Carlos Garnett – Chana

Music Inc – Abscretions

Abel Lima e Les Sofas cantam Nos Bida (1977)

2011-03-25T10:59:00.004+01:00

Abel Lima is a singer from Cabo Verde islands, forced to clandestine imigration by boat at age of 13 to escape the totalitarian regime.

He came back 16 years later, when Cabo Verde became independant in 1975, as politically engaged with PAIGC (Amilcar Cabral's African Party for Independance of Guinea an Cabo Verde).

In the liner notes, Abel Lima explains the evolution of his home village Povoaçao: he quitted a small peaceful village and when he came back he discovered only desolation as more sophisticated foreign fishing boats were fishing extensively, letting local people without any resources. In parallel, he also explains through his own experience how hard being an imigrant is, due to mistreatment and exploitation.

A very engaged artist, which seems to be compatible with raw funky tune...

Abel Lima e Les Sofas - Corre riba corre baixo:
Bernard Brito (Joaozinho): bass
Serge Neves: drums
Abel Lima: voice
Afonso Evora (Martinho): guit
Nouhoun Coulibaly: voice, tumba
Admir Evora (Mimis): guit, recoreque

Jack Costanzo - Bongo Fever (1959)

2011-03-11T09:25:00.000+01:00

Liberty LRP 3109

Here's a spicy version of "Quiere" by Jack Costanzo recorded live at the Garden of Allah (Hollywood). Mr Bongo always deserves his surname, even playing a cha-cha...

Jack Costanzo - Quiere:

Jack Costanzo - Bongos
Carlos Mejia - Congas
Jay Corre - Tenor sax
Gil Barrios - Paiano
Tony Reyes - Bass
Chuy Ruiz - Drums

Randy Weston live @ Saint Louis Jazz, Senegal (2007)

2011-03-07T23:13:00.000+01:00

What a great experience to listen to Randy Weston in Africa... Being one of the most "african" among the US jazzmen (from Tanger jazz club in the late 60s to Nigeria's FESTAC in 1977) this was his second performance at Saint Louis Jazz Festival (Senegal). His African Rhythms Trio is composed by Alex Blake (bass) and Neil Clarke (drums) both perfect sidemen of this innovative and explorative genius.

Randy Weston web site

JM Tim and Foty - Douala by Night (1977)

2011-03-07T22:53:00.001+01:00

Disques Esperance ESP 155029

Duo from Cameroon (playing together from 1977 to 1982) gives here an idea on how funky the nights are in Douala... A disco flavored classic.

J.M. Tim and Foty - Douala By Night:

Soleya Mama & le Waatoo Sita - vol. 1 (1976)

2011-02-07T14:27:00.001+01:00

SAF 50028

Waatoo Sita means "it is time" in Mandingo. The band has been created by Andre Fara Biram Lo and Ousmane Sow (Soleya Mama) in 1972. The aim was to realise a renewal in senegalese music with a percussive, accoustic but groovy african folk music. This album from 76 is an original sound compared to earlier latin influenced bands or later great bands who shaped a typical senegalese style in the 70s.

The whole LP is good but I choose the following track to enlighten the panafrican approach, with women choir singing a melody from a Fela Kuti hit.

Soleya Mama et Le Waatoo Sita - Waatoo Sita le Senegal:

Musicians:
Soleya Mama: lead, vocal, ac. guitar 6 and 12strings
Andre Fara Biram Lo: guitar
Lamine Konte: kora
Youssouph Said: balafon
Mamadou Kouyate: bongo, congoma
Ass Fall: african drums
Arona N'Diaye: m'beung m'beung, sabar
Salimou: djalba, kutiru, m'beung m'beung
Abdoulaye Diallo: bolon
Colomban: bugeer
Mamadou Dioum and Lamine N'Diaye: poems
Studio ORTS, Engineers Momar Nar Diop and Pape Sene, aug 1975.

Unidentified "jungle sax jam" recordings from Casamance

2011-02-04T13:30:00.000+01:00

Spending entire afternoons listening to music in small musicshops, you can sometime fall into crazy sounds that even the guy from the shop is not able to name. This track comes from one of these CDs...

I've been told this comes from Tionk Essil, a village in Casamance (southern part of Senegal) where many traditions and various influences are still alive.
It seems to be a live kind of ceremony including drums, choirs, in a diola style, but also including a solo sax playing with the traditional rhythms. A good example of fusion between a very traditional non-urban african music (which could exist centuries ago) and an occidental instrument played in a jazzy but african way. Modernity and how traditions evolve in time is a key subject in black thought ; this music is a great example of modernity integration without any dilutive effect.
This is 20 minutes of deep and hypnotic jam, but i guess this last up to dawn...

Remy Mondey - Meringue çe misic en moin (196x)

2011-02-01T02:06:00.001+01:00

DEBS 179

A great early track with Remy Mondey's accordion and Emilien Antile's superb sax...

Remy Mondey - Meringue çe misic en moin:

The first Brazilian DJ: Seu Osvaldo Pereira

2011-01-30T21:21:00.000+01:00

Um post para os amigos brasileiros...

Brazil has definitely the "vinyl culture". From the 50s, a huge record production representing the variety of brazilian music styles makes it a paradise for diggers.

Here's an interview of Osvaldo Pereira, considered as the first brazilian DJ, talking about "time when turn table was gramophone" and looking back to several decades of music selection in Brazil.

He once tried once to play with 2 turntables, but during the 60s, as people were used to silence and change dancing partner between two tracks, the audience did not appreciated so he gave up the idea...

Following of the article:

Michel Kingué - Nout'am (1977)

2011-01-27T23:42:00.001+01:00

SON 822

Michel Kingue (1933-2007) contributed to introduce makossa to occidental ears in late 60s playing clarinet and saxophone. Among his collaborations with Gilles Sala on Songhoi Records, here is Nout'am from 1977. First part of the track is a folk style song which turns into killer afrofunk...His daughter Weyah is pursuing the family musical tradition and explained me that title of the track might be misspelled as in duala language "ndut'am" means "pain".

Michel Kingue - Nout'am:

Luis Agudo - Afrosamba (1984)

2011-01-24T17:36:00.000+01:00

VPA 172

Luis Agudo (1940-) is an Argentinian percussionist who developed an unique style based on brazilian and african drums and rhythms. He's a real rhythmic explorer, building his own percussions. This led him to play worldwide for many jazz musicians (Baden Powell, Dizzy Gillespie, Elvin Jones, Junior Cook...).

This record is a solo recording realized in Italia (original press from Red Records) where he shows his wide variety of sounds, rhythms and effects.

Luis Agudo - Agudu:

Here follows the artist's notes for each track of the session:

Manu Dibango - Soul Makossa original 7" (1972)

2011-01-23T12:33:00.001+01:00

AFRICAN 90.571

In 1972 Manu Dibango is ordered to compose the anthem for the 8th African Cup of Nations, taking place in Cameroon. The A face of this 7" is realized for this purpose with Eno Belinga. On the B side, he was free to include one of his personal production, Soul Makossa, a song that allowed him to gain worldwide fame (but also to be savagely sampled by Michael Jackson and recently by Rihanna...)

Manu Dibango - Soul Makossa:

Benny More - Maracaibo Oriental (1954)

2011-01-22T11:24:00.001+01:00

AREITO EP-1021

Here's a classic track by cuban singer Benny More (1919-1963).

Benny More - Maracaibo Oriental:

Sticker on the cover is from Ivory Coast, but the design would appear familiar to sofrito followers...

Laba Sosseh y su Conjunto - Seyni (1969)

2011-01-14T12:13:00.002+01:00

N'DARDISC 45-15

Laba Sosseh (1943-2007) had a 40 years long african salsero carreer, singing pachanga, bolero, guajira, son cubano... He's originally from Gambia, and played during the 60s at Club Miami (Dakar, with Star Band & Ibra Kasse), at Club Sangomar (Thies, with engineer Moussa Diallo). He founded with nigerian sax player Dexter Johnson the Super Star Orchestra de Dakar and recorded for N'Dardisc (Label from Louis Fourment, Radio Africaine director).

One of his hits from this period is the love song "Seyni" (kay fonema sama khol).

Laba Sosseh - Seyni:

Danson & Charanga Night, Dakar

2011-01-08T15:27:00.000+01:00

Great party flyer, with DJs from the 60s-70s period in Dakar... latin records all night long! Probably the best place to perceive how much music from the other side of the atlantic ocean was (omni)present in urban Senegal. At this time, big part of DJs selections was cuban music arrived from the 50s through sailors. (It remains easier to dig latin records than african records in Dakar now). Dakar danced deacades to this latin (and caribbean) rhythms, which influenced deeply local musicians and productions.

Big up to Duo Los Compadres...

FESMAN Festival Mondial des Arts Negres, Dakar 1966

2010-12-10T19:03:00.003+01:00

Side 1:

Side 2:

This LP presents the musical contributions from different african countries to celebrate the 1st FESMAN (Negro Arts Festival) hold in Dakar in 1966. This Festival, impulsed by Leopold Sedar Senghor after the independances, was the 1st major cultural event including all art disciplines (music, litterature, theater, paintings...) from Africa, and countries from african diaspora (check the great track B1 from Ghanaian band Star Lite, tittled Baba Yara, from the name of the 60s football star).

A second edition took place in Nigeria in 1977 (FESTAC) and a 3rd historical (although controversial) edition is hold in Senegal again from 10th to 31rd december 2010 (http://blackworldfestival.com/), including artist from all over Africa, Brasil, USA, the Caribbeean, Latin America.

Liner notes from the LP by L. S. Senghor:

Orhan Gencebay - Severek Ayrılalım (1970)

2010-12-02T22:12:00.001+01:00

Istambul Plak Ars 9187

Orhan Gencebay is a turkish musician, composer, actor, initilally formed through classical turkish music (playing bağlama and tambur, 2 traditionnal string instruments, and then playing saxophone). He showed early interest (from the 60s) for jazz, rock and fusion with foreign music, hence influencing a lot of turkish musicians along the 70s, which led to surname him "Orhan Baba" (Father Orhan).

This track has been has played by several turkish musicians (even recent dance productions) but this original version has a really deep groove.

Orhan Gencebay - Severek Ayrılalım:

Balla et ses Balladins - Wilikabo (1975)

2010-11-17T16:46:00.010+01:00

SYL 572

Balla Onivogui (trumpet player and director) was one of the great figures of Guinea "Authenticité" era, recording first with Orchestre du Jardin de Guinée and then with his group Les Balladins for governement's label Syliphone.

Wilikabo is a funk influenced (but deep and heavy guinean) song, with great drums and guitar solos.

Balla et ses Balladins - Wilikabo:

Sekou "le docteur" Diabate: lead guitar
Pivi Moriba: alt sax
Manfila "Soba" Kante: vocals
Abdou Camara: drums
Souleimane Sylla: sax
Amadou Thiam: perc
Bamba Kourouma: bass
Kemo Kouyate: rythm guitar

Orchestre Black Santiago

2010-11-16T01:39:00.001+01:00

Disques BSA 01

Ignace da Souza and his group Black Santiago play here a beninese style highlife. Pressed around 1974 at Satel, Benin.

Orchestre Black Santiago - Wo n'titi:

Femi Kuti concert in Paris / Remix by Babaliah

2010-11-16T01:38:00.001+01:00

Last sunday at La Bellevilloise, Femi Kuti hold a private concert to launch his next album. Although I prefer the father than the son, his orginal approach and positive vibration made the atmosphere pretty hot...

This is good opportunity to introduce here a remix realised in 2009 by Babaliah (Palmwine Records) from a Femi Kuti song. One step forward in afrobeat inspired sounds...

You better ask yourself - Babaliah remix:

MIX /// Tropical Round Trip

2010-11-02T14:50:00.008+01:00

A sound travel around Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Guadeloupe, Benin, Ivory Coast, Angola, Nigeria...

Tropical Round Trip #3 (77min):

intro buenas noches

Manuel Santo

Sonido Sexicional

Los Diablos Rojos

Super Mama Djombo

David Ze

Mori River Jazz band

Serge Christophe

Les Vikings

Wgenda Kenya

Yonnan Brass Band

Poly Rythmo

Tohon Stan

Poly Rythmo

Jimmy hyacinthe

Bunny Mack

Ondeno

Cooperative 1 point 1 trait

Tohon Stanislas dans son nouveau style Tchink System (197x)

2010-11-01T14:57:00.005+01:00

SACODIS LS 39

I previously posted some Tchinkoumé music (here), northern Benin rhythm based on water drums.

Here is a renewal of this traditional music made by Stanislas Tohon: he created the Tchink System style, a actual (late 70s) version of Tchinkoumé, based on same water drums patern rythms, but played by modern instruments.

This album has been produced by Aboudou Lassissi, recorded in studio Otodi (Lome), mixed in the USA. I guess the release date is around 1978-79.

Tohon Stanislas - Mi Tchinker:

Guitar: Dizi Mageco, Amegee Kodjovi
Trumpet: Johny Johny
Bass: Hega Penda Hilaire
Sax: Fadina Atiley, Bentho Daniel
Drums: Lawson King
Keyboard: Socku King
Vocals: Tohon Stan

Jorge Ben covers and discograpphy

2010-11-01T14:56:00.003+01:00

Discography:

Samba esquema novo (1963)
Sacundin Ben samba (1964)
Ben é samba bom (1964)
Big Ben (1965)
O bidú - silêncio no Brooklin (1967)
Jorge Ben (1969)
Força bruta (1970)
Negro é lindo (1971)
Ben (1972)
A tábua de esmeralda (1972)
Jorge ben On stage (1973)
10 anos depois (1973)
Gil Jorge (1975)
Solta o pavão (1975)
África Brasil (1976)
Tropical (1977)
A banda do Zé Pretinho (1978)
Salve simpatía (1979)
Alô, alô, como vai (1980)
Bem-vinda amizade (1981)
Dádiva (1984)
Sonsual (1985)
Ben Brasil (1986)
Ben Jor (1989)
23 (1993)
Ben Jor world dance (1995)
Homo Sapiens (1995)
Acústico MTV (2002)
Reactivus amor est - Turba Philosophorum (2004)
Recuerdos de Asunción 443 (2007)

A Night in Ifrikya - Tunisian malouf

2010-07-30T16:14:00.002+02:00

When I found this traditionnal tunisian malouf (andalusian arabic music) record in a senegalese dig spot, i took it directly. The cover is directly drawn from Sidi Bou Said small plaza, one of Tunisia most beautifull place. Additionnally it reminded me a nice concert I attended in early 2000s on the same place... a great spot for this deep music (despite a long introduction to thank Ben Ali President, without whom nothing is possible...)

Le malouf tunisien - Collection Saliha
A:
Gharrad El Komri, Ikoulek Zaman El Azhar

Hosn El Idhar

MIX /// 45s selection from Benin

2010-07-22T11:19:00.028+02:00

Just to share some freshly found 45s from Benin.
...El Rego, L.A. Aux Ecoutes, Polydisco, Mélomé Clément, Poly-Rythmo, African Songs, Picoby Band, nagra sessions, african scream contest, afro beat, jerk fon...
Enjoy!

Back from Benin 45s selection:

I recommend to listen to this (re)reading the great liner notes from Analog Africa compilations (big up Samy) to perceive the context of these productions and this musical era.

Duke Ellington - Liberian Suite [1947]

2010-07-18T16:51:00.006+02:00

CBS 20AP 1501

Liberia was declared a republic in 1847. This west african country has been created by freed american slaves "coming back" to Africa, which represents a unique (and controversial) experience.

To celebrate the centennial in 1947, the liberian government ordered Duke Ellington to compose a suite for the occasion.

Credits:

Duke Ellington – piano

Shorty Baker, Shelton Hemphill, Al Killian, Francis Williams - trumpet

Ray Nance - trumpet, violin

Lawrence Brown, Tyree Glenn - trombone

Claude Jones - valve trombone

Jimmy Hamilton - clarinet, tenor saxophone

Russell Procope - alto saxophone, clarinet

Johnny Hodges - alto saxophone

Al Sears - tenor saxophone

Harry Carney - baritone saxophone, vocal (track 1)

Fred Guy - guitar

Oscar Pettiford, Junior Raglin - bass

Sonny Greer - drums

This suite has been perfomed live twice in Carnegie Hall, never in Liberia.
Duke Ellington had a trip to Africa 20 years later, during Senghor's official Festival des Arts Negres in Senegal (1966).

Polito Bances y su Conjunto

2010-07-16T15:42:00.004+02:00

Ind. Peruana 0876

Polito bances y su Conjunto - Chiclayanita:

Polito Bances is a sax player from Peru, and played also in Ecuador. "Chiclayanita" is how is fondly called a women coming from the north shore city of Chiclayo.

The tunes is a great cumbia, composed by Rufino Millones.

RIP Rammellzee [1960-2010]

2010-07-13T17:56:00.004+02:00

Beat Bop 1983

A special post dedicated to Rammellzee, pluri-artist at birth of hip hop culture: graffiti writer, rap singer, theorician of "gothic futurism", visual perfomer.

Beat Bop EP is supposed to be produced by Jean Michel Basquiat who realized this great art cover in his tipical style. Lyrics deal with ghetto life reality, through the dialogue between the 2 rap singers playing a pimp and a schoolboy.

Rammellzee vs K. Rob - Beat Bop:

Vocals: Rammellzee, K. Rob
Bass and guitar: Sekou Bunch
Percussion: Abert Diaz
Beat Box: Jay M
Violin: Esther Ballet

Beat Bop takes part of Style Wars soundtrack (street art early documentary, 1983 Henry Chalfant).

Rammellzee played also his own role in Wild Style (1983 Charlie Ahearn), cult movie about hip hop culture (graffiti, break dance, rap) in early 80s New York. He appears on the amphitheatre final concert scene performing with Grand Masterflash and Fab 5 Freddy.

David Zé - Merengue San Antonio (1974)

2010-07-01T21:28:00.006+02:00

Rebita R:1128

Fabricado por FADIANG (Fabrica de Discos de Angola)

David Ze - Merengue San Antonio:

From the 60s, electric wave hit Angola with a big influence from northern neighbor Congo and his tipical electric guitar rhythms. But more traditionnal angolan rhythms like semba or rebita are also often integrated into new music productions, same way as external influences (from Brasil or West Indies, including merengue) which made angolan music a really rich and rythmically diversified mixture, despite the few quantity of vinyls that could survive up to now.

David Zé was a recognized artist during the 70s trouble period. At this time, the MPLA party (Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola) ran the country, supported by Cuba and USSR, struggling with the UNITA supported by South Africa and USA. Artists control was an element of this fight between propaganda and destabilization, and several writers and singers (including David Zé, Urbano de Castro) were murdered in the late 70s.

Despite MPLA's "reconhecimento" in 2006 for all disapeared artists, this subject remains highly controversial as MPLA is still at the head of power, 35 years after independance.

Mangalha - The biggest vinyls collection in Angola

2010-06-28T20:48:00.010+02:00

Jose Henrique Ribeiro, famous in Luanda as "Mangalha", comes back in this interview on his vinyl collector experiences in Angola.

He begun to collect and spin records from the late 60s, following angolan music evolution and influences from abroad. He had up to 26 000 LPs, shaking angolan dancefloors during 40 years.

It is said in Luanda that when somone wants to organise a party with low budget for food and drink, he needs to choose Mangalha as DJs sothat the guests only care about dancing...

We can also observ here that preserving a country's cultural heritage assumes a political character as sometimes confused with resisting to external influences, in this case white portuguese colonists

"They come to ask me how come I got more records than the President Neto"
Article and interview from Seminario Angolense - 2009

Some other respected angolan DJs: Joy Macedo, Giro Lourenço, Telmo Fontes, Paulinho Cai Cola, João Reis.

Orchestre Les Blacks Fingers de Cotonou (197x)

2010-06-27T12:15:00.004+02:00

Obscure production, blooming music...

I found no information about the singer Kpochan Pierrot, I guess he produced the record as the reference is K.P. 001. A small production seeing how cheap the cover is (i saw the same in different colors). Music has been arranged by Pierre Egnile (i.e. Pepita Egnile who worked with l'Orchestre International de la Capitale, from Niamey, Niger).

It is made in Benin, pressed at SATEL vinyl plant.
Dont be afraid about the keyboard sound, this is genuine dope... (and you should see how well this works on a beninese dancefloor!)

Kpochan Pierrot et l'Orchestre Les Black Fingers de Cotonou - Gnonnou:

Music Day in Paris: Keziah Jones and Franck Biyong street concert [2010]

2010-06-22T02:08:00.003+02:00

I'm generally not big fan of Music Day in Paris (c'est la fete de la musique toute l'année!), but in such a case even skepticals would have enjoy...

I had memory of an "automatic pilot" promotion concert by Keziah Jones that disapointed me a bit, but we had tonight a kind a unique gig as taking place in a Paris street. What was great is that it was obvious they were here to have fun.

Keziah played some of his hits, in a pretty easy style way, but still knowing how to groove (well, the amazing bass player was able to make dance the whole street just by himself!). Rythm section injected african flavor during some percussive impro followed by Keziah singing and claiming nigerian influence...

Franck Biyong joined the band to give birth to a Voodo Child, followed by a jam on Fela'sLady sung by Keziah, a Blue Funk version with a kind of afrobeat horn section...

Great trip to have such a good afrogroove gig in the street. Big up.

Orchestre Los Commandos - Errante

2010-06-01T23:14:00.007+02:00

AS 5010

A late track of the month...

Here's an african version of a latin track i love (Arsenio Rodriguez - "Errante y Bohemio").

Orchestre Los Commandos is from Cotonou, and played with El Rego up to 1966 (using different band names).

From what I 've been told, it seems that almost all the musicians present on the cover picture left our world, except the red shirt guy, called "13" (the surname "13" would come from his habit to write the number 13 on his shoes to attract good luck... it seems it did worked).

Orchestre Los Commandos - Errante: