Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, Nigerian Soundmakers - Sound Time

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Music reviews of Sound Time

Music Review: fantastic
Rating: 5 Stars

The Soundmakers were among the most important of the "highlife" (a term to describe a light, flowing, infectious dance style that originated in Ghana. Generally, highlife music is seen in guitar based bands, such as the Oriental Brothers, or dance bands with horns and guitars; the Soundmakers fall into this category) bands in Nigeria during the 1970's.

The music is instantly danceable, and bears a kinship to the funk of Fela Kuti- though not as political as Kuti's music- while its lyracism could be likened to King Sunny Ade or Ebeneezer Obey, 2 of Nigeria's more famous proponents of juju music. Stephen Osadebe, the venerable frontman of the group, is not the focal point of the band on this particular recording- indeed, the guitar of the amazing Ezekiel Uti, along with the tight drums and bass of Dede Uzoma and John Odagwe respectively, make the tracks alive with passion.

The lp ripples with excitement and never slows down once the initial groove has been locked in. Stephen's lyrics, ranging from folk songs to praising his patrons (a very common trait in African music) to the joy music offers him and his band, adds the fuel needed to keep the band grooving. And groove they do.

This recent retrospective is a remarkable find, and well worth the investment. The songs, the grooves, the band, and the vibes, are all tight, and in sync with each other. A few second in and you'll be up dancing to the hypnotic funk grooves offered within. A storied bandleader. A glorious cd. Remarkable.

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