OSIBISA — Osibisa (review)

OSIBISA — Osibisa album cover Album · 1971 · African Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Sean Trane
Although based in London, this group’s members are all Western Africans (from Ghana, Nigeria and such), and Osibisa’s first few records are much worth the inclusion here. A few hints of the progressiveness (outside of the Roger Dean superb artwork sleeve that struck imaginations with those flying predator elephants) are the line-up, the length of the tracks and the production job of Tony Visconti. Leader Teddy Osei on flute, sax, percussions and lead vocals was a formidable showman (and a groundbreaking songwriter), while second man Tonton provides the strong brassy sound of Osibisa and is also writing With the real impressive opening track, The Dawn, Osibisa strikes real strong with lengthy intro (warning up about the trip you are about to experience over a farmhouse at dawn), delicious flutes imaginative African rhythms and some psychedelic jazz rock influences and a wee bit of Ian Anderson on flute impersonation around the end of the track. This track will become one of their signature tracks in concert and was played in concert throughout their whole career. Gong Gong is an incredibly infectious groove , developing plenty of brassy answer providing plenty of drama and a superb percussive break, before picking up the groove. Ayiko Bia is probably their most African track, but they managed to hold our attention with a searing Santana-sounding guitar solo (further enhanced by the congas)

Side 2 starting out with Akwaaba (not their best track, and it is a bit overloaded musically speaking) is a bit less impressive, but remains of an excellent caliber. Oranges does regain the superb musicality of the first side, but the enthusiasm remains a bit tamer even if there are some brilliant moments, most notably the jazzy guitar solo. Phallus C is certainly the highlight of this side of the vinyl and making strong groovy statement, and its title leaves little hidden about their intentions regarding the other half of the Human race. The last track does show that they do have something else in mind, though ;-) with its soul-ish vocals, and great Hammond organs.

A stunning debut for Osibisa, certainly a product of its time (the early 70’s were THE period, right? ;-), a fascinating run through one of the best example of complete fusion of African, Latin, psychedelic and jazz-rock sounds. Much worth the investigation for just about anyone.

Share this review
more

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
No shouts posted yet. Be the first member to do so above!

Review Index

Member Zone

Username:
Password:
Stay signed in

Jazz Subgenres

Artists Alpha-index

JMA TOP 5 Jazz ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
A Love Supreme Post Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
Kind of Blue Cool Jazz
MILES DAVIS
Buy this album from our partners
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady Progressive Big Band
CHARLES MINGUS
Buy this album from our partners
Blue Train Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
My Favorite Things Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners

New Jazz Artists

New Jazz Releases

Mikolaj Trzaska, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love : The Last Temple vol.3 Avant-Garde Jazz
MIKOŁAJ TRZASKA
Buy this album from MMA partners
Mikolaj Trzaska, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love : The Last Temple, Vol.1 Avant-Garde Jazz
MIKOŁAJ TRZASKA
Buy this album from MMA partners
Mikołaj Trzaska / Ingebrigt Håker Flaten / Paal Nilssen-Love : The Last Temple Vol.2 Avant-Garde Jazz
MIKOŁAJ TRZASKA
Buy this album from MMA partners
Sustain Avant-Garde Jazz
AALY TRIO
Buy this album from MMA partners
Sunset Park Post Bop
TOBIAS MEINHART
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Jazz Online Videos

FASCINATING RHYTHM - The Amazing Keystone Big Band feat. Neima Naouri
THE AMAZING KEYSTONE BIG BAND
snobb· 1 day ago
Alicante
RENAUD GARCIA-FONS
js· 1 day ago
She's Forty with Me
WILTON CRAWLEY
js· 1 day ago
Tall Tillie's Too Tight
WILTON CRAWLEY
js· 1 day ago
Rhoda Scott Ladies and Gentlemen - special guest : David Linx
RHODA SCOTT
snobb· 1 day ago
More videos

New JMA Jazz Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Jazz News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us
Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook fan RSS Feed