Sunday, August 16, 2009

CD Review: Tony Allen's Not-So 'Secret Agent'


Tony Allen
Secret Agent

The term afro-beat was attributed to the musical stylings of drummer, Tony Allen. He was also a drummer and a former musical director of Fela Kuti's band from 1968-1979. On Secret Agent, Tony remains true to the afro-beat style, while also incorporating funk, jazz, and hip hop beats. Eleven tracks are played by band members from France, Cameroon, Martinique, and Nigeria. The tunes are mostly instrumental, but vocals do exist, with some borrowing English words. The rhythms are most certainly dance-friendly. Tony's latest release is a perfect accompaniment to other afro-beat recordings, notably Legends of Benin (Analog Africa, 2009) or Nigeria 70 Lagos Jump (Strut, 2008). If you are a fan of afro-beat, or African music in general, you will enjoy Secret Agent. The secret's out and ready to satisfy listeners all around the world. ~ Matthew Forss

No comments: