Monday, November 12, 2012

NEW RELEASES - AFROBEAT MAKERS, AFRICAN BROTHERS BAND, JOE MCPHEE

AFROBEAT MAKERS - AFROBEAT MAKERS - TONY ALLEN RHYTHMS REVISITED

A reworked version of rhythms from Tony Allen – put together by a trio of European percussionist/producers with a very sharp sound! The core energy of Allen is definitely heard throughout – that style of being funky, yet offbeat too – which Tony's definitely explored even more strongly in recent years. Yet the contributions of the trio also really focus the groove too – almost creating tracks that are tighter and more rhythm heavy than before – without as much instrumental interplay over the top, almost as if they're break tracks, but from an Afro Funk perspective! Titles include "Demon Nights", "Deeper", "Africa Walk", "Mister Cool T", "After Hours Jump", "Long Ride", "African Heat", "Bag Of Breaks", and "Ikeja Roads". ~ Dusty Groove

AFRICAN BROTHERS BAND - TRIBUTE TO DK

A rare treasure from 70s Ghana – a record that's incredibly hypnotic right from the start – and a set that may well be the best album ever from the African Brothers Band! The rhythms intertwine with the guitar lines in this really beautiful way – flowing and bubbling, with a pulsing quality throughout – yet a groove that's also gentler than some other African work you may know of this vintage. The vocals provide another layer of magic – themselves dipping, turning, and changing with the rhythms in really complicated ways – yet coming off with this incredibly "right" feel that makes this modern music feel extremely organic! Tremendous stuff throughout – with tracks that include "Kyeremirekuku", "Ma Me Nsu Ma Wo", "DK Nyarko", and "Owuo Nye". ~ Dusty Groove

JOE MCPHEE - LONLIEST WOMAN

A previously-unissued performance from Joe McPhee – recorded in the early 80s, and a searing ensemble take on Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman"! The arrangements are beautiful – as the track retains some of the haunting melody of the original composition, yet has a loose, creative approach that also allows for lots of improvisation in the middle – stunning performances from Joe McPhee on pocket cornet, Andre Jaume on tenor, Daniel Bourquin on baritone, Michael Overhage on cello, Radu Malfatti on trombone, Raymond Boni on guitar, Irene Schweizer on piano, Francois Mechali on bass, and Pierre Favre on percussion – plus a bit of vocals from Tamia at one spot. The track only runs for 13 minutes, making this a mini-album of sorts – but it's a true treasure, finally unearthed! ~ Dusty Groove

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