COMPOSERS: Various
LABELS: Honest Jons Records
ALBUM TITLE: Lagos Chop Up
WORKS: Lagos Chop Up
PERFORMER: Various
CATALOGUE NO: HJRCDDJ15
Nigerian music in ferment between 1960 and the mid ’80s is the source for this compilation of vintage material. Rather than focusing on the obvious big name, Fela Kuti, the bands and leaders here came from all over the country to the capital and present an ever-changing mix of popular and rooted styles. Highlights include Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson singing vibrantly over brass and restless guitars; the Nigerian Army Rhythm Group, including several graduates from Kuti’s band, with a series of top-notch solos; and in a pulsating final quarter-hour, Shina Williams And His African Percussions stringing together three songs into a non-stop sequence of 12/8. Robert Maycock
Various: Lagos Chop Up
Nigerian music in ferment between 1960 and the mid ’80s is the source for this compilation of vintage material. Rather than focusing on the obvious big name, Fela Kuti, the bands and leaders here came from all over the country to the capital and present an ever-changing mix of popular and rooted styles.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:57 pm