CD Review: Joni Haastrup's reissue 'Wake Up Your Mind'

Joni Haastrup

Wake Up Your Mind

Tummy Touch Records

Nigerian-born and US-based funk king, Joni Haastrup, released a wicked LP on the Afrodesia imprint back in London in 1978. The LP titled Wake Up Your Mind contained the same six tracks on the current reissue from Tummy Touch. Joni's funk-driven form of music contains the classic bass-lines, instrumental grooves, and lively vocals characteristic of other performers of the time. 'Greetings' is a jazzy, funk-riddled song with equal amounts of down-tempo and African elements. The title track, 'Wake Up Your Mind,' is more of a social concern song with all the funk one can stand. 'Champions & Superstars' is a jazzy, bass-heavy, and funky song with more of an American musical feel. 'Do The Funkro' is littered with funkisms, glorious harmonies, and Fela Kuti-like similarities. In fact, Fela Kuti might be the most influential musician here. The last track, 'Watch Out,' is a bit of classic funk with rock thrown in to keep the mood high. Fans of Tirogo, Psychedelic Aliens, and other African 70's funk music will find Joni's latest reissue very satisfying. English vocals are present on all of the tracks. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sierre Leone's Refugee All Stars

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars

Rise & Shine

Cumbancha

Formed out of war and civil unrest, Sierre Leone's Refugee All Stars bring light and life to Africa and the rest of the world. The drum-beats, reggae-inspired grooves, and blaring brass convey the message of hope, while shadowing despair and depravity. The Afro-beat rhythms might be an ode to Fela Kuti and other West African bands from the 1960's to the present. At any rate, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars poignantly coined the album title Rise & Shine to accurately summarize the musical and social development of the group over the past few years. The music is richly textured with loads of instrumentation and cool riffs. A great collective of musicians born out of exile refuse to succumb to the power of societal defeatism, and instead, rise to the occasion by playing personally satisfying music. Find yourself a hammock under a palm tree, sip some palm wine, and play Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars this summer! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Togo's Elikeh

Elikeh

Adje! Adje!

Azalea City

A band of D.C.-area musicians present us with a modern form of groovy, jazzy, and dance-friendly rhythms. Headed by Togolese frontman Massama Dogo, Elikeh celebrates the musical spirit of Africa's Afro-beat giants, such as Orchestra Poly-Rhythmo and Fela Kuti. Though not a literal comparison, Elikeh taps into the same historical energy of Afro-beat bands of long ago. Yet, Elikeh is new, refreshing, and distinct. It draws upon West African, Central African, and French influences. There are ten tracks in all. Each track contains a brief song description in the liner notes. Adje! Adje! is a great release for African music fans and others looking for something accessible and easy to assimilate. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mr. Something Something

Mr. Something Something

Shine Your Face

World Records

If there was such a thing as "eco-beat", this would be it. Canada's Larry Graves, John MacLean, and Swedish addition, Johan Hultqvist, performs music with eco-friendly results. Their live performances have been set up with a bike-powered sound system and their CD packaging is made out of 100% recycled paper. Probably the only thing not recycled is the music. The music reflects a West African dancefloor-beat sound of the 1960's or 70's. Some of the classic highlife bands come to mind. Shine Your Face contains "sustainable" beats, blazing horns, some English vocals, and punchy drum-work. If you are interested in afro-beat orchestras and highlife music from West Africa, then Mr. Something Something should be "something" you should acquire. ~ Matthew Forss

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

Tony Allen

Secret Agent

World Circuit

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

CD Review: Tea Time With A Side Of 'Dreams'

Tea

Dreams

Teajuana Music

A multi-instrumental and multi-talented group of musicians collate into the band known as Tea. The band's repertoire is composed of member's from Benin, Cameroon, Senegal, Congo, Nigeria (by way of a Fela Kuti connection), France, and the US. The songs are contemporary musings reflective of a world traveler. A jazzy ambiance permeates a few of the tracks. Others incorporate a more downtempo or trance-like musical foundation. Many of the songs could easily fill a soundtrack to a major motion picture released in Africa. The instrumentation includes traditional components, though a major portion of the sounds are created by bass, b3 organ, sax, and guitar. Tea is unique enough to warrant few comparisons to other artists. However, some artists that come to mind include, Salif Keita and Daby Toure. Tea is a group best served for any mood. It's an exhilarating mix of chilled-beats and warm sounds that intoxicate the listener into a 'dream'y state of veneration. ~ Matthew Forss