Tuesday, June 12, 2007

London is the Place for Me - Vol. 2

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London is the Place for Me 2
Calypso & Kwela, Highlife & Jazz from Young Black London

There are pockets of music history that tend to go overlooked. Those that go on during times and in places that are not at the epicenter of the ruling culture – but going on right under its nose. These pockets tend to be times of very active (unintentional and intentional) experimentation and mixing of styles, cultures and ideas. Post WWII London was host to an incredible coming together of musical expression from Africans and West Indians, who were about to run head first into American and European jazz. Calypsonian “Lords” and Nigerian rhythm kings; South African jazz and West African traditional musicians all took the boat to London. Meeting up in immigrant neighborhoods and clubs, they began playing their music, but now responding to their new surroundings. Honest Jon’s Records, out of England, has put together several volumes documenting this time and place. Volume 2 in the series covers the styles of Calypso, Kwela, Highlife and Jazz emanating from this heady mixture of cultures. Featuring calypso stars such as Lord Kitchener and Lord Beginner, it also highlights Ambrose Campbell’s West African Rhythm Brothers. It’s an incredible musical snapshot of artists and songs that were to become the part of the foundation world beat and modern jazz. I highly encourage you to seek out this and the other volumes of this fantastic collection.

Tracklisting

Calypso Be – Young Tiger

Yolanda – Ambrose Cambell

Calypso Blues – Mona Baptiste

Adura – West African Rhythm Brothers

My Wife’s Nightie – Lord Kitchner

Ominira – West African Rhythm Brothers

Eroya – West African Rhythm Brothers

General Election – Lord Beginner

Kalenda March – The Lion

Omonike – Tunji Oyelana

Baionga – Shake Keane & His Highlifers

Gerrard Street – King Timothy

E.T. Mensah’s Rolling Ball – West African Swing Stars

Ashiko Rhythm – Ambrose Cambell

Omo Africa – West African Swing Stars

Nyusamkhaya – Gwigwi Mrwebi

West Indian Drums – Russ Henderson

Nobody Wants to Grow Old – Lord Beginner

Gbonimawo – Rans Boi’s Ghana Highlife Band

Sing the Blues - – West African Rhythm Brothers