CD Review: Various Artists' 'Afrobeat Airways 2: Return Flight To Ghana 1974-1983'

Various Artists
Afrobeat Airways 2: Return Flight To Ghana 1974-1983
Analog Africa

Ghanaian funk and dance music is explored on Analog Africa's latest venture, Afrobeat Airways 2: Return Flight To Ghana 1974-1983. These are thirteen rare funk tracks that showcase the not-so-common musicians of the country. You will hear rare music from K. Frimpong, Nana Ampedu, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Ebo Taylor, Rob, Uppers International, Los Issufu And His Moslems, Waza Afrika 76, and others. The music is psychedelic, funky, dance-laden, and organically-rhythmic. The percussion is very enthralling throughout. The vocals are equally impressive with solo and group vocals used intermittently. The instrumental sections are especially intriguing and addictive. The rhythms and melodies are punchy and swirling with African elements and entrancing infusions of sound. Anyone with an interest in African funk and psych music should check out Afrobeat Airways 2..., as well as other recordings on the label. Your feet and ears will thank you. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Ghana's 'Bolga Zohdoomah'

Bolga Zohdoomah

Bolga Zohdoomah

Art Hurts Records

Lead by vocalist and talking drum player Akayaa Atule, Bolga Zohdoomah explores the sounds of Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat. The California-based band brings out all the musical splendor with B3 organ, piano, bass, rhodes, mandolin, sax, trombone, and trumpet. The infectious rhythms and melodies are particularly evident on "Kiesiemi". Some Latin elements sneak in on "Siekirie", downtempo-funk on "Nerebala Senaala", and the Afro-beat-laden "Jingo" and "B'r B'r B'r". The songs are sung in Fra Fra, Hausa, Ibo, Twi, Ga, and English. Unfortunately, additional song information is not provided in the liner notes. Despite this, the music speaks for itself on multiple levels. The music is as energetic as Chopteeth and as nostalgic as Novalima. The music is fresh, diverse, and an excellent introduction into the music of Ghana. Afro-beat fans unite on this one! ~ Matthew Forss