Compilation of West African Funk [Audio CD] Booniay

The rise of Afro-beat has made music fans more aware of the great music that came out of West Africa in the '70s. But while Fela Kuti's amazing Afro-beat creations were groundbreaking stuff, many musicians were content to stick closer to funk and soul music. This 10-track compilation is straight from the James Brown school of funk, although various groups also pull in elements of African music, calypso, disco, Latin, and boogaloo. Compiled by the promising new Afrodisiac label, which is at the center of L.A.'s Afro-funk scene, Booniay!! A Compilation of West African Funk features some great music. People probably won't recognize names like Bright Engelberts, Matata, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, and Atomic Bomb Zigoto, but they're all essential contributors to this treasure trove of topnotch, rare grooves that will make a welcome addition to any funketeer's collection. The pot is sweetened by the fact that this album has a warm analog sound that's been lovingly cleaned up. --Tad Hendrickson