The Master Guitarist, Vol. 1

AMG Review of The Master Guitarist, Vol. 1

Stephen Cook
All Music Guide

Before Mango promoted King Sunny Ade as Bob Marley's heir apparent in the late ‘70s, the master juju guitarist from Nigeria had been making records with his Green Spot Band (later named the African Beats) since 1966. As is evident from listening to this circa-1970 collection, the lithe and buoyant weave of guitars and percussion heard on Ade's breakthrough 1982 release, Juju Music, was already in place early on. While a little rougher sounding than his '80s discs, this first volume of African Songs' Master Guitarist series still impresses with fresh guitar licks, airy vocal harmonies, and the record's mesmerizing 20-minute opener (it's actually listed as five different tracks on the sleeve). Before delving into the multiple volumes of this fine series, though, new listeners probably should first check out Ade's trio of Mango titles (besides Juju Music, there's Synchro System and Aura) or even his fine 1983 tribute to '50s highlife bandleader Bobby Benson, On Bobby; whatever opening you choose, you will hear some great music.