Back in 2015, Freestyle Records reissued a remastered version of this 1967 classic ten track album by Ginger Johnson and His African Messengers but this is the 12 track Deluxe Edition as the first on the BBE / Greg Boramans' Impressive Collective partnership.
You may know Mr. Boraman from his connections with Brian Auger (see review HERE) so it's no surprise that he loves this seminal album from that late sixties when Ginger Johnson was not only opening the London/UK ears to Afro-jazz percussion, he was also a mentor to then London resident, Fela Kuti as well having work with British jazz greats as Ronnie Scott, drummers Phil Seaman, pianist Victor Feldman, Kenny Graham (in his Afro-Cubists band) as well as percussionist in Edmundo Ros' popular dance band in the 50s (always check the credits his album).
This album is full of Yoruba vocals/chants, heavy percussion and Brit-jazz horns and flute; 'Hi-Life' being particularly good but it's all excellent and often mentioned as the start of Afrobeat.
Johnson's band also went on to include future members of Cymande and Osibissa and you can hear elements of calypso/Carribean on 'African Party' and even Zamrock meets jazz ('Witch Doctor' (Afro Rock)'.
A truley amazing album and especially in this expanded form (the extra two tracks having been taken from a long lost 45 that's been a 'Repair Shop' restoration so as to match the rest of the album).
When Tony Allen (RIP - albeit mentioned this week - see review HERE) said, Ginger "was a pioneer, the trailblazer for all of us", he really should be better known and this 'African Party' will definitely make that happen.
Artist: Ginger Johnson And His African Messenger
Title: African Party
Release date: 18th October, 2024
Label : BBE Music
Catalog Number:BBE771
Format: Vinyl 2xLP (early 2025), Digital / Bandcamp
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