Review: Thomas Frempong - Anansi Shuttle (Asona / BBE Music)

Thomas Frempong was already a star of the Ghanaian Hi-Life/Dance Band scene  when he recorded Anansi 'Shuttle' in 'new' style of Electric Hi-Life but was he first on the bus? 

Well, if he wasn't first, he clearly on board with the 'new' sounds of the 70s when the likes of Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett and Carlos Santana were invited to Acca for a concert with local musicans.  

By the time this album was released in the mid 80s on Anthony Roberts-Frempong's London label Asona, (any releation?), the influence absorsian had the more electric elements of the european studios and on here, a strong dub presence that LSP/Peech Boys NYC would be proud of; there's 'Okesi' original version and an 'Okesi (Real Dutch Mix) and the opener 'Wobre' gets a Real Dutch mix to close he album.

'Ama' is more of a fusion with some great wandering sax and even more dub with some 80s Paul 'South Africa" Simon/Shalamar going on too.  That sax comes back on 'Kweku Anansi' but these days, the sound of the Linndrum sounds as new as it did in 80s on this track and 'Ajojoo'.

The cover artwork looks a bit like a "Hallmark" card of the time but the music is the star here; recommend you listen to 'Me Nyame' again.   All tracks were recorded in Wardour Street (London, W1) of all places and we're endebted to the wife of Anthony Roberts-Frempong's son (Ed. that's a 'daughter in law' then!) who found a stack of Asona album in a bad when they were clearing out a shed at the bottom of garden!  Roberts-Frempong passed away in 2011 but his DJ son Jerry knew that BBE would know what to do with this treasure trove and this is one of the re-issue series that so far has included Sam Yeboah's 'Meba Fie - I'll Be Back Home' (see review HERE) and Nana Budjei's 'Afrikaman' (see review HERE) Jewel Ackrah's ;Electric Hi-Life' (see review HERE).

Long may these re-issues keep coming as each one is excellent in it's own right; love to know what the local reaction is in Accra club is when Pete BBE is out DJing at the moment.

Artist: Thomas Frempong 

Title:  Anansi Shuttle 

Release date: 27th October, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE752 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: WEB WEB x MAX HERRE - WEB MAX II (Compost Records)

Double 'web' and a 'Web Max II' sounds like the long awaited follow up to 'Web Max' is finally with us and it's definitely been worth the wait.

Whilst YATM were 'off-blog' (Ed. the equivalent of radio's "off-air"), Compost Records released the 'Web Max' in the summer of 2001: a collaboration of jazz group Web Web (that includes Roberto Di Gioia - see review of his album with Peter Kruder HERE) and songwriter and producer Max Herre.  It was 'modern modal' with original tracks and guests  like Yusef Latef (wow!), Mulatu Astatke (wow!!) and New York harpist, Brandee Younger. 

It might have gone under a few radars as it's in such compilation stronghold competition like Jazzman's Spiritual Jazz series so it comes as no surprise that Herre and the band have upped their game on this all new/no covers 10 track album; plus one very special guest. 

Paying tribute to the predessors ('Perennial Journey') that they absorb might a more than healthy not to Sun Ra Arkestra's (in all forms) to Cinematic Orchestra (OST/Library) to Afro-jazz/gospel and more; like bass clarinet, bassoon and the original sampler from the 70s, the mellotron! 

This sounds like something that internationally renown artist Carlos Niño would be proud to be a part of I hear you say.  And he is!  Mr. Niño you will recall from startig out in Hip-hop to collaborations with Dwight Trible and then orchestral projects celebrating Dilla with Miguel Atwood-Ferguson to open-water swim swimming (well, that's what he was into 14 years ago when I interview him).  Of late, he's been more of an abient percussion frame of mind but he's not far from those original L.A.spaceways on both 'La Planète Fantastique' and 'Ólobo'. 

It's a shame 'Artist Unknown' is a little short as it's got that 'out-there' Art Ensemble of Chicago horn element (let's have an Afro-disco 12" extension edit with the quiet bit as the introduction I say) but 'Zutuma' (very Astatke) and the closing track, 'Look Beyond The Sun' (very 60s psych-LA hippy Niño) more than make up for it.

'The 6th Dimension' is the modal jazzdance killer track (the longest on the album) and worth the price of the album alone, which I'm convinced is going to be a "collectors item" (even the black one; there's a limited edition red one), so I'd get two copies if I were you.

Gerry Hectic's Interview 09.11.2009 "CARLOS NIÑO - BUILDS AN ARK IN LONDON"(see.HERE)

Artist: WEB WEB x MAX HERRE

Title: WEB MAX II

Release date: 27th October, 2023

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number :  CPT 623 LP / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Mike Reed - The Separatist Party (We Jazz Records / Astral Spirits Records)

Mike Reed ("not that one", if you're in the UK) has collected 'The Sdeparatist Party' together like a modern day James Blood Ulmer meets The Pop Group/Pere Ubu sans David Thomas/Art Ensemble of Chicago (better mention Sun Ra too!) and it's fantastic!

Still coming to terms with Darius Jones's'fLuXkit Vancouver (i̶t̶s̶ suite but sacred)' album (see review HERE)? Try this as an alternative "free-jazz" that's free not free.

We've recently featured the Asona/BBE re-issue series of Ghanaian Hi-Life/80s burger albums (see review HERE) and there's definitely some strong Afro-fusion influences here, like 'Rahsaan In the Serngeti' and 'We Came To Dance'.  

Like Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Hertage Ensemble (that's featured the AEOC's Joseph Bowie, son of legend Don, David Ornette Cherry - who passed away November, 2022 and "my mate", Dwight Trible) and indeed AEoC affiliation with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), this Mike Reed is well known as a "community-builder" of music and presenting it; especially in the Chicago area.

The Separatist Party consists of six musicians that worked these nine tracks in just a week which is testament to their talents. Ben LaMar Gay (cornetist) is pretty evangelical whilst poet/spoken word artist, Marvin Tate (who have a great "battle" on 'Hold Me, Hold Me') are joined by Rob Frys, Cooper Crain and Dan Quinlivan (these three being members of Bitchin Bajas who had an album out last year, 'Switched On Ra' (see what they did there?) and these guys love a spacey synth.

The last track 'Eric's Theme' is a dreamy jazz/prog/Balearic instrumental that's arguably the most instant but it's all deep and a bit angular like the cover artwork; no surprise that they already have champions like Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music), Soho Radio, NTS, 1BTN and more voting for this party.

Reed has appeared on many Astral Spirits albums and this is thier first joint release with We Jazz and they are well suited as a partnership.

Artist: Mike Reed
Title: The Separatist Party
Release date: 27th October, 2023
Label :  We Jazz Records / Astral Spirits Records
Catalog Number : WJLP056 / AS 231 CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Richard E - To The Moon (with Robert Burbidge Remix) (Further Out Recordings)

Richard E has travelled about a bit but this time he's taking us to the moon with the new single, 'To The Moon'!

Long time followers of Further Out Recordings will know that the origins were inspired by Sun Ra via Solar Apple Quarktette and Neptune Alpha Base Massive; any wonder then that this track is called 'To The Moon'?

Well it was inspired by the cyprto boom and equally seems relevant now with the mini-space race in times of a mini-planet crisis - sounds a bit 70s?  And so does 'To The Moon' with the ex-London based Yorkshireman now US citizen, LA resident with wife Annabel (lee) (when she's not engrossed with Edgar Allan Poe, there's 'Live Covers' also on Further Out Recordings (see review HERE).

This is almost 100% on vocals and instruments and feels nicely West Coast Baleraic Bowie that'd fit in a Paul Hillery 'We Are The Children Of The Sun (see review HERE) or his equally compelling compilaton series, ' Folk Funk & Trippy Troubadours' (Vol. 2 came out earlier this month on RE:WARM).

The dreamy vocals, flute and guitars take a back seat on the Robert Burbidge remix but there's instrument and accapella versions too to make this the full package.

A new album, 'Opening Scene', is promised for release early next year so in the meantime, let's take it 'To The Moon' and back.

Artist: Rihard E with Robert Burbidge Remix

Title: To The Moon

Release date: 27th October, 2023

Label: Further Out Recordings

Cat. No: FUR017

Format: Bandcamp / Digital.

Review: Reel People feat. Angela Johnson – Can’t Stop (Michael Gray Remixes) (Reel People Music)

Michael Gray seems to be really busy at the moment with his DJing. radio shows, his own productions and remixes but he's found time to go back, way back to re-work 'Can't Stop', Reel People's anthem featuring Angela Johnson; it's like he can't wait for the weekend to begin.

And it's going to be a long weekend as there's five remix versions; even the radio edit is 4 minutes long!  In addition to the original remix and radio edits, there's a reprise, dub and instrumental versions.

The original was released 20 years ago with remixes by Dennis Ferrer and the next year, Kenny Dope's 4 track remix 12" was released so Mr. Gray is in exalted company with his own remix release.

A Gilles Peterson favourite back in the day for its house-nu-jazz-funk vibe, Gray's still in that area but with his Defected/Glitterbox leanings to the fore.

Whether it's the original or this remix, we're No. 1 dancefloor/boat party 'Can't Stop' excited as together we can fly!

PS. Don't forget Reel People's latest album from early this year, 'Love2' (see review HERE)

Artist:Reel People feat. Angela Johnson 

Title: Can’t Stop (Michael Gray Remixes) 

Release date: 27th October, 2023

Label : Reel People Music

Catalog Number : RPM117 / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Smoove & Turrell - Red Ellen (Jalapeno Records)

Smoove & Turrell  and Jalapeno Records are on a winner with this new album; their seventh (wonder)!

You might recall our surprise/delight that Ronnie Foster (Blue Note legend) was on the single 'The Light' (see review HERE) and there was 'Violet Hour' / 'Echoes' (see review HERE) and your thinking, can they keep this up for a whole album? Well, they bloody well can.

'IGOTCHA' is in the 80s disco/funk/soul style that superfan Craig Charles loves so much and proves you can have a clever lyric in a dance tune.  And then they excel themselves with 'Mary's Song' and 'Empty Bottle Serenade'.

This 'deeper' element is no doubt due to inspiration for the title of the album; Northern eastern heritage of Labour politician Ellen 'Red' Wilkinson who was an important element of the Jarrow March and post-war 'new world' thinking - something we'll be needing again soon as current events we're not envisaged when the wrote the album and title track; as the old saying goes, the only thing we learn from history is .... nothing.

On a brighter note, the other thing that we know for sure is that "Music is the healing force of the Universe" and I'm up for their explosion of summer love in 'Joy!', 'Waiting For Your Call' and 'Geno's Discotheque'.  

It must be said the John Turrell's vocals are a focal point but this is very much a collaboration and the musicianship is superb.

Artist: Smoove & Turrell

Title: Red Ellen

Release date: 27th October, 2023

Label: Jalapeno Records

Cat. No: JAL431

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Jewel Ackrah - Electric Hi-Life (Asona / BBE Music)

Jewel Ackrah was already a star of the Hi-Life when he recorded this album, 'Electric Hi-Life' in the 'new' style of Electric Hi-Life but this guys is band wagon jumper. 

Release on Asona in London, this is another in BBE's re-issue series that have so far included Sam Yeboah's 'Meba Fie - I'll Be Back Home' (see review HERE) and Nana Budjei's 'Afrikaman' and this joins them in a celebration of Ghanain Hi-Life.

And perhaps it was recorded in Accra (the capital and largest city in Ghana) perhaps Jewel thought it was more 'electric' than his previous recordings as they had some synth keyboards in the studio (paricular 'Maame') which were particularly hard to come by at the time due to the import duties imposed by a near finanially backrupt regime being in power.

Jewel has a great voice and there's some great electric guitar here (perhaps, the effects peddels were in short supply too?), particularly on the openers 'Onipa Dasa Ni' and 'Eko Awar A Bisa' with some US. cop show theme sounding horns; "Rev" Jewel certianly had a 80s Hip-Hop/James Brown dress sense judging by the cover photo.  But is that a bit of Joe Walsh in the guitar on 'Awar So' and Kenny G on sax as they slip in a few chords of the wedding march theme? One for Saturday morning radio that one I thinks.

'Maame' is the longest of the five tracks on the album but it's a fitting climax to yet another joyful release in this series.  Even though there's no 'reggae' track on this album, it's the most electric for me and a must have to prolong this late summer / welcome Halloween season.

Artist: Jewel Ackrah 

Title:  Electric Hi-Life 

Release date: 27th October, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE751 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Antonio Trinchera - Bug Night (Elbert Phillips "Tryppy Tribute Remix") (A.MA Reforged)

We'll, you might say, "Hello, here's two things of gold" when it comes to the lastest release by Antonio Trichera on A.MA Records.

But don't confuse the current 'Most Popular' review of the label's album by Two Things Of Gold (see review HERE) which this re-visit to one of the most popular tracks on Trinchera's 'Fauves' album that came out in just over a year ago.

Chicago's Elbert certainly has his finger on the jazz-funk dancefloor as 'Bug Night' has a Lonnie Liston Liston Smith/Deodato-esque groove infused into it with additonal percussion (Tom Laroye), synth and bass boogie (Terrence 'Slim' Holmes) to go the extra "Tryppy" space princess mile; just compare it with the equally jazz-funky orginal that's included with the release.

Don't you just love the artwork and don't forget, this is the second of Elbert's remixes from the album following the superb 'The Tractor And The Child' (see review HERE). 

Many thanks to once more to DJ Bob Hill (BBE, TWR, ReddSugarBlack Creative) for championing these releases.

Artist: Antonio Trinchera

Title: Bug Night (Elbert Phillips "Tryppy Tribute Remix") 

Release date: 26th October, 2023

Label : A.MA Reforged / A.MA Records

Catalog Number : A.MA Reforged 003 / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Sam Yeboah - Meba Fie - I'll Be Back Home (Asona / BBE Music)

Footie fans will recognise the name Yeboah (especially, in Leeds) as the Ghanian international striker Tony who has his own Hi-Life Sensation!

No, this is Sam Yeboah with BBE's re-issue of his 1980s "Burger" / "Electric Higlife" (kinda the Hi-Life equivalent of reggae to dancehall).

BBE are no strangers to this kind of re-issue but this series came to light after DJ Jerry Frempong's wife found some records in the  shed, Anthony Roberts-Frempong (who passed in 2011) having run Asona Records in the mid-80s to 90s.

Kicking off with 'Maame' bearing in mind this is around the time of Paul Simon's ' Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes' Afro-pop-rock and the Ghanian dispora of Hamburg / London and further afield.  And looking at commercial success, lets have some Ghanian 'Marley' reggae with 'Mempa Aba' which is a winner.

'Daben Da' sounds out as it's sweet guitar and vocals evoke Ebo Taylor whilst 'Odo Mewu' is more urgent and pre-Afro-bruk and then 'Biribi Aye Me' sounds like "double" Burger to me.

With this album, BBE's catalogue no. has reached 750 and there's many more to come as 'Meba Fie - I'll Be Back Home' is the first in a series of re-issues of Asona recordings; if they're all as good as this, we'll have to make some room on the vinyl shelvs back home.

Artist: Sam Yeboah

Title: Meba Fie - I'll Be Back Home

Release date: 27th October, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE750 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: A08 – Life / Sunset (Compost Records)

A08 (formerly known as AFRICAINE 808) have a new album coming out on Compost Records later in the year and to get you excited, here's a double A-side single.

As mentioned in the review of the sinlge (see HERE),  Their previous album/12"s were on everyone's favourite white label outta New York (well, in my part of London anyway) Golf Channel with artists like Heroes Of The Galleon Trade, Justin Vandervolgen and DJ Nature to name just three: well, me and Tim Goldsworthy at least were fans (for more on me and Tim - see HERE) 

That was about 10 years ago and A08 seem to have stepped sideways from the previous African/House/Nu-Disco styling to a more of a  Afro-tech-Carrib-dancehall-dub - their album is called 'Waiting For Zion' which gives us a clue and it features artists from Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, Trinidad as well as Germany.

As it's a double album it's likely to have many a focus; 'Life' feature African percussion and 'Sunset' is more reggae dub that reminds me of Paul Fox/Dubheart and it's great to hear that they perform live either as a Soundsystem as Dirk Leyers and DJ Nomad or as a live act with live percussion. (Ed. lets get 'em to Wilkswood/Hastings/Falmouth Reggae Festivals next year) 

Artist: A08

Title: Life / Sunset

Release date: 20th October, 2023

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number :  CPT 620-5 LP / Digital / Bandcamp   .