Afro-sounds part two.
This recent release on Soundway comes almost two years after Volume 1, featuring an abundance of talent that created Modern Highlife and Nigerian blues between 1970 and 1976.
At the beginning of 1970, Highlife, Afro-beat, Rock, Jazz and Native Blues all rubbed shoulders together, turning out at an unprecedented (and unexpected) level of fusion that might have stunned Nigeria during troubled times.
The collection features hitherto beacons of the burgeoning scene that went on to influence new bands such as Vampire Weekend, especially when you hear tracks like Horchata and Run on their album Contra.
Like the CD notes remind us, new styles clash or fuse with old styles which metaphorically, or possibly literally, reflected the Biafran post-war fallout.
The tracks, 18 originals and previously un-reissued cuts, including obscure A-sides, B-sides, and albums cuts that have resisted a second glance, until now that is. Volume 1 took nigh on five years to materialize, but its unknown how long Vol.2 took to compile, or whether theyre remnants of the initial research by Miles Cleret.
Only two artists, Fubura Sekibo and Don Isaac, attempt to provide a universal touch by singing in English. The rest sing in any one of the 510 living languages like Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Kanuri or Ibibio, despite English being the official language.
The clattering percussion and slouching rhythms, with sax-dressing, provides a fine listening experience, and considering the market forces, is a very much a relaxed mid-tempo groove.
Blacks Zenith adopt a jazzier hue with funky basslines and dollops of brass that propel this joyous ska-tinged gem.
Totobiroko by Twins Seven is jazz-lite with looping rhythms and xylo splashes and a bountiful of tribal chanting.
Maybe the biggest musical clash comes from swing-happy From The Professional Seagulls where sax and drum sequences give it a distinctive Caribbean flavour, that we recognize today. Of course this the sound that could well have been exported to Caribbean region.
The Lords Prayer, lifts the pace considerably with rugged, almost reggaefied, colours.
The People Stars wonderfully overzealous shuffle Onwu Dinjo sounds like something Talking Heads would have done back in the early 80s.
The jangly groove is boosted by some delicious sax breaks.
The urgent percussion, 60s styled organ solos and edgy brass sojourns make this an essential track for radio play (hear this on THE PLUG at www.calonfm.com Monday 19 April, 2-4PM).
The most interesting track of all is Anyi Undi Igbo. The indigenous template (of the time) is well and truly shattered. Spiraling guitar licks, off-kilter drumming and luscious sax make this the standout track.
The verdict Essential.