CD Review: The Funk Ark's 'High Noon'

The Funk Ark
High Noon
ESL Music

The Funk Ark is a plethora of funky, mood-driven, heady tunes that feature the funkiest music this side of Africa. In fact, the group is based in Washington, D.C.--not exactly Ghana. Nevertheless, the groovy, fun, and danceable rhythms are primarily influenced by the highlife, free jazz, and afro-rock music of the 1970s. High Noon features the sax, organ, trumpet, bass, percussion, and limited vocals. The music of Chopteeth and Fela Kuti come to mind. However, this is an album for a new generation of African music. Despite its Western title and cover imagery, High Noon is a product that carries the traditions of West Africa. High Noon is great for any part of day. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Chopteeth - Live

Chopteeth

Live

Grigri Discs

Chopteeth is back with a live set of resurrected Afrofunk and Afrobeat tunes from Africa's greats including Fela Kuti, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Le Shimandou de Beyla, and Peter King. Of course, the band focuses on other tunes by Ignacio Rios, Rudy Gomis, Ndeye Mbaye, Barthelemy Attiso, Arthur Kennedy, Michael Shereikis, and Duke Ellington. The D.C.-based band is a purveyor in the golden age of African funk music. The classic 1970's tunes are mainly instrumental with plenty of brass, drums, keyboards, electric guitar, and bass. The ten songs were recorded at a few different locations around D.C. The audience participation is minimal with only a smattering of applauses or shouts. The groovy beats are a perfect accompaniment for a thriller or suspense film soundtrack. Chopteeth is a delectable band that always brings the brass with the sass. ~ Matthew Forss