Customer Reviews

Brotherhood

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Tony Allen was the much-revered drummer for Fela Kuti's legendary Africa 70 ensemble; as such he was largely responsible for crafting the relentlessly infectious, driving marathon beat of the Nigerian supergroup. This remix project features a host of artists, from soul-oriented rappers to electronic mixmasters. Several tracks, particularly the instrumentals, are appropriately hypnotic and captivating, while some of the vocal numbers seem a bit off the mark. Maybe that's because Allen's genius was rhythmic and nonverbal, and by wedding his work to flavor-of-the-day lyrics, it pulls the listener in unnecessary directions. Anyway, keep in mind that's just my reaction, and I'm pretty picky. Afro-beat fanatics will not be disappointed by this album.

Afrobeat originator Tony Allen, under the name The Allenko Brotherhood Ensemble, gets his famous drumming patterns put through the ringer by various electronic artists. The back cover promises Afro-centric electro grooves - and it's quite accurate. The tracks don't stray far from their African roots, which results in some fascinating combinations. The Son of Scientist, for instance, invite Eska to provide vocals to the dubbed out "The Drum," while the Cinematic Orchestra makes "Brotherhood" a piano- and rhythm-driven track, which gets progressively frenzied. Several artists here -- Boozoo Bajou and Jeff Sharel, for instance -- are known for their adaptation of African music so it comes as no surprise that they contribute tracks. But there are a few surprises: the Troublemakers doing a dark and jazzy soundscape, or Kirk Degiorgio's Off-World Ensemble doing tech-funk. A fitting tribute to one of the rhythmical masters.