Back for another go ’round, so here are some of the sounds we have been listening to since the last post. As always, it’s a blend of the new and old, and even some of the older items are new to our ears.  And yes – the list could be longer. MUCH longer, but hey… People have things to do, and we understand that. Still, let us know if you want more…

 

Compilation – Afrobeat Airways  (2010)

A wonderful compilation filled with difficult to locate treasures. Analog Africa outdid themselves in searching for the music, and to tracking down the artists documented here. Some, sadly, are no longer with us.  The music that gave the world Fela Kuti lives on, and lived on during the time Fela was trekking the world in search of an audience.  Listen here and find the treasures within. Recommended.

 

Compilation – Afrobeat Airways 2 (2013)

More good work from our friends at Analog Africa. This compilation contains interesting gems out of Ghana, and streches into the early ’80’s. We are looking forward to more of the history of Afrobeat in the near future.  Recommended.

 

Compilation – The Rough Guide to Afrobeat Revival (2009)

A very nice collection of tunes by the folks at New Music Network. The artists within include Tony Allen, the NYC based Antibalas, Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 and others. The price and the Bonus disc made this a nice find.  Learning Afrobeat or want to?  This will be of interest. Recommended.

 

Tony Allen – Secret Agent (2010)

Fela’s own master of the beat continues his trek down familiar roads as well as a few new avenues. Even in his ’70’s, Mr. Allen delivers the goods. Oh yeah – Don’t miss this road.  Recommended.

Isaac Hayes – To Be Continued (1970)

Listening to the ’70’s era Afrobeat in the releases mentioned above got us to revisiting ’70’s era Soul – and look what we found:  A real gem from Mr. Hayes – but you already know this is a great one, don’t you?  Oh yeah.

 

Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin (1968)

I recently came across a recording of my first ever concert – LZ at Madison Square Garden 9/19/70 – the day after Jimi Hendrix died.  Got me to thinking and remembering – and listening. 

Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II (1969)

A more colorful album cover than the Brown Bomber I purchased in December of ’69. I don’t often listen to LZ, but – the memories were so thick this past week, you could swat them with a stick ball bat – so I had to give this a listen.

 

David Kilgour and the Heavy 8’s – End Times Undone (2014)

Solid outing in this new release. We are listening and liking it.

 

Joe Satriani – Unstoppable Momentum (2013)

One again, good ol’ Joe sounds familiar and yet finds ways to stretch the envelope and himself. Solid. Recommended.

 

Animals as Leaders – The Joy of Motion (2014)

Good gracious – I love this band. Metal meets prog meets Mahavishnu meets.. my ears.  I love it all, and look forward to the next one.  Recommended. 

Ten noted for the books, and we look forward to opening our listening files to you good folks once again – real soon. Until then, keep those turntables, CD players and MP4’s hummin’ – and the music alive.

Jazzmanblue