Many words have been written about Fela on MOG and in the real world, and for a real good reason. Folks feel his music, empathize with his struggle, and champion his icon status. The majority of his records have been re-issued, he's been celebrated with tribute albums and US musicians are forming Afro-Beat ensembles. His talented son also carries on the afro-beat legacy and is hugely popular with groove fans here and a star across the pond. Fela is gone, but he will surely not be forgotten.
Much of my favorite music (Fela, James Brown, P-Funk)is made by large bands fronted by a singular, larger-than-life figure, who becomes a ring leader for his band. Naturally folks like George Clinton, Fela, and JB are going to get a lions share of the credit (and money) for the beloved music and innovations they bring to the scene, but these icons could not do it alone.
James Brown had a long list of band members who brought quite a bit to the table; Jimmy Nolen, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Bootsy Collins, Clyde Stubblefield,to name a few. George Clinton had Bootsy, Maceo, Fred, Eddie Hazel, Glen Goins, and Bernie Worrell, for starters, and dozens more cats who could rip with the best of them. Fela's main man and band leader was Tony Allen. If you have ever grooved to Fela or other Afro-Beat sounds, you are shaking it to the ideas and skills brought to the table by Tony Allen.
Not to take anything away from Fela, whose vision, politics, courage, and sound were a revelation to many in Nigeria and the world, but Tony needs to get his props.
When I worked at Amoeba in San Fran, the dance and jungle buyers helped me get over my initial aversion to trying a "new" Tony Allen record. They said I needed Black Voices, and they were correct. The french label, Comet released Black Voices in '99, and it shows Tony is not stuck in his Africa 70 days (though all Fela and Tony Allen records from the 70's are essentials). Black Voices and Tony Allen Live (also a must have) from 2004 incorporate modern electronic sounds into the mix, and thankfully, allowed Mr.Allen to go out on tour with a smaller group. I saw him play live back in 2003 on a brief US tour and this man can still kick ass at 65 plus years old. I have never heard a drum kit sound so good. Power, touch, he's got it all, in all 4 limbs. Easily an all time fave show. I've only heard a little bit of the hyped The Good,The Bad, and the Queen, but what I have heard doesn't really showcase Tony Allen. Black Voices and Tony Allen Live are the way to go. Please check em
Black voices from Tony Allen Live is in comments
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i love fela and also femi kuti. but you're right... their larger than life personas eclipse the huge talent around them.
are you familiar with the rock writer vivien goldman? she's written extensively on that scene. i'd google her and hear all you can. she's a goddess and fountain of great info
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Thank you Mr. B for this wonderful post and for shedding the light on a gap in my collection.
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Great post, Codyman. Tony Allen is indeed godlike. There's another great cut of his on a compliation called "Afrobeat...No Go Die!" The song is called "The Same Blood" and I'll bet it's on one of the albums you mention in the post.
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Mesmerised as always; love the afro-beat sounds/artists, and look forward to each and every Cody B post! Here's a fave afrobeat/afrofunk blog: http://www.afrofunkforum.blogspot.com/
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I am going to have to check him out based on my liking of the GTBATQ
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You introduced me to something new because I know of Femi Kuti but not of this man you are discussing. But I have a feeling I may have some of his music from some of my friends. Great post!
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love tony allen, cody. that hi-hat stereo effect at the beginning of the track 1 is just great. can I say dope? love "black voices" too. i have the same aversion to try new recordings by old artists, it is a subconscious thing.
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Nice post. i too appreciate the informed back story. I also absolutely love the Trouble mention on your page. We're still smokin' on the go-go scene. SMOKIN', STILL SMOKIN!
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@consumerx- wow, there's a bunch of DC expatriates in this MOG. I love the way y'all represent your town!
@rocket- For me, not wanting to buy records from old faves is a defense mechanism! I wouldn't want a sub par effort to lessen my appreciation of the older stuff. On the other hand, there have been numerous post-heyday records that rule: Toots in Memphis, Solomon Burke-Don't Give Up on Me, The recent Mavis Staples record, so I need to get over myself and listen to these records.
@2Serenity-Wow, If I'm the first to get you to check out Fela or Tony Allen material from the '70s, I am honored. For old school Tony I'd get, Jealousy/Progress and No Accomodation for Lagos/No Discrimination. For Fela Kuti it's tougher but my 2 faves are Opposite People/Sorrow Tears and Blood or Zombie. Like Go-Go were talking 3 or 4 song albums with groove upon groove of goodness.
@rawk-If you want modern stick with these 2, if you are going for the old school check the titles I mentioned 2Serenity try. Quick Story-One time De La Soul did a "walk through" at a store I worked at in Chicago. I made sure to bump some Fela when they were in the store (at the time his stuff was only available on compilations). Lo and behold, I sold a copy to Posdnuos. A proud moment for me in record retail.
@gcrawl-Thanks for the link and the props.
@ivy-You are correct sir..Same Blood is on Black Voices You probaly have this one,Nigeria 70, but if you don't it has some rare Tony and Fela along with legions of lesser know artists on 2 cd's w/ a bonus audio documentary CD on the 70's scene in Lagos, all wrapped in beautiful slipcase packaging.@markheyert-Oh yes,bro..go there.
@anna log-Thanks for the tip, I was not aware of her,I will change that shorlty. BTW-I really enjoy your record biz stories from back in the day. As a person formerly a part of the biz (which has become a lot less fun-at least my part,selling records-lately), I always thought I was born too soon. Rock on!
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Cody, I can't believe you doffed your cap to "Toots In Memphis." One of the most seriously underrated albums in...well, ever. Is there anything you're not on top of?
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Cool of you to say so,Ivy..but there's a lot I'm missing...Mostly everything recorded after 1980 for instance! Talk about a perfect fit of material and artist, Toots and Memphis, is that. I got it when it came out, probably sold it during one of my many cullings, and then I did something I almost never do (maybe 10 times, out of 10K plus albums/CD sold. I bought it again. Had to have it..It ain't goin' nowhere now.
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Truly groovy track Cody.
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Oh man this is great stuff. That Asiko track was sampled on a great J Dilla production for Common called 'Heat' off the Like Water For Chocolate EP.
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Damn, Oat..I did not know that. I am late to the party on the recognition for J Dilla, but I am liking what I've heard so far.
Thanks..in 3-D,seo tool..
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These are some fine tracks Cody. Thanks for the post!!
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Nice write up, Cody!
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This is why I love mog! Thanks for another post putting me up on something that blows my mind! Don't know how I ever lived without this in my music collection... Cody = Sir Tastemaker