Saturday, November 13, 2010

Fela Kuti & the Afrika '70 - Live! with Ginger Baker (1971 [2001])

This is the 2001 reissue of the amazing collaboration of the king of afro-beat, Fela Kuti, and the former drummer of Cream, Ginger Baker. Fela Kuti's band the Afrika '70 numbered 12 preformers for the live sets recorded here, which accounts for the intense complexity of the music and truly shows the talent of all those involved to maintain the timing and cohesion so astoundingly. I find, as I'm willing to bet many others share, that the psychedelic hybrid of genres that is afro-beat is something to lose yourself in. The length of the tracks in conductive to this mood and I'm sure Kuti would've recommended enhancement via mind altering substances to those inclined (if you've never read the man's story you're really missing out on some wild shit). Anyhow, there is a difference between the original release and this reissue, namely the addition of the final song. This is a track of exclusively drumming by Ginger Baker and the drummer of Afrika '70, Tony Allen, recorded at the 1978 Berlin Jazz Festival. Well I've read reviews that disparage this track, but I don't agree. I think it is pretty righteous and unique. Judge for yourself, naturally. Note this is the album art of the original release displayed here.

To be had here:
Fela Kuti & the Afrika '70 - Live! with Ginger Baker [160 kbps]

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