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Editorial Reviews
Review
'...there has never been anything on Broadway like this production...' --Ben Brantley, The New York Times
'...this decade's most exhilarating new Broadway musical.' --Elysa Gardner, USA Today
'...this decade's most exhilarating new Broadway musical.' --Elysa Gardner, USA Today
Product Description
Recorded in one day in early March, the record documents the magic of the hit Broadway musical that The New York Times, TimeOut NY and New York Magazine called the 'Best of 2009!'
FELA! Original Broadway Cast Recording features the incomparable Sahr Ngaujah as Fela singing with the irrepressibly funky Anitbalas. All 16 of the Fela compositions that are performed on stage each night are on the record as are several songs performed by Funmalayo as played by Lilias White, and Sandra Izadore as played by Saycon Sengbloh. The record was produced by Robert Sher who has been nominated for many Broadway Cast Recording Grammys.
Based on the life of groundbreaking African composer and performer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, FELA! is the critically acclaimed Broadway musical that uses Fela's music to explore his life as an artist, political activist and revolutionary musician.
Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones with arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas, FELA! is a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theatre. The cast recording captures the electricity and joy that thousands have experienced at the Eugene O'Neill Theater every night since the play opened on November 23, 2009. The record is a document of that experience, yet at the same time is a musical statement in its own right.
FELA! Original Broadway Cast Recording features the incomparable Sahr Ngaujah as Fela singing with the irrepressibly funky Anitbalas. All 16 of the Fela compositions that are performed on stage each night are on the record as are several songs performed by Funmalayo as played by Lilias White, and Sandra Izadore as played by Saycon Sengbloh. The record was produced by Robert Sher who has been nominated for many Broadway Cast Recording Grammys.
Based on the life of groundbreaking African composer and performer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, FELA! is the critically acclaimed Broadway musical that uses Fela's music to explore his life as an artist, political activist and revolutionary musician.
Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones with arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas, FELA! is a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theatre. The cast recording captures the electricity and joy that thousands have experienced at the Eugene O'Neill Theater every night since the play opened on November 23, 2009. The record is a document of that experience, yet at the same time is a musical statement in its own right.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By Dumas
Format:Audio CD
Full disclosure: I saw Fela live about 18-19 years ago. Have listened to his music much longer. The cast recording is faithful and true. But if you buy it, you owe it to yourself to go to the source on your next payday. Buy Fela's records. Also, support Antibalas, the Budos Band, and Rubblebucket. These bands keep Fela and the afrobeat sound alive and accessible. Buy their music and go to their concerts. They gig constantly and the shows are affordable. More importantly, you will dance your ass off.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Melissa Hall
Format:Audio CD
This show is a moving portrayal of a vibrant man who lived in troubled times. Filled with music and movement, the show transports you to a hectic time and place to describe events and sounds that transformed a nation.
The soundtrack captures practically all of the most spectacular moments of the production. I highly recommend having it to reflect on the meaning of music and the sounds by the amazing band. Even if you aren't able to get to the show and are just a fan of the music, the soundtrack provides anmazing narrative that lends such perspective to the songs and gives a little insight to the atmosphere of that time.
The soundtrack captures practically all of the most spectacular moments of the production. I highly recommend having it to reflect on the meaning of music and the sounds by the amazing band. Even if you aren't able to get to the show and are just a fan of the music, the soundtrack provides anmazing narrative that lends such perspective to the songs and gives a little insight to the atmosphere of that time.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase
I got this album as the MP3 Deal of the Day on Juy 3, 2010 at the special price of $2.99. For this price, this is a good deal on what amounts to basically a very good album of covers of Fela Kuti songs with actor's narration placing the music into the context of Fela's life. At the regular full price, I think I'd recommend most people go to original recordings by Fela instead.
I haven't seen the play from which this music comes. But I do like Fela Kuti and think he is arguably the most internationally important African musician of the 20th century. He is a cultural and musical figure that too few people in the U.S. are aware of. To the extent this play and record help change that, it's all to the good.
The album contains interludes with the actor who plays Fela Kuti narrating recollections as Fela, incidents from his life and some of the ideas that formed him as an artist. This is actually nice value added that could make it worthwhile for a general listener to get this record in addition to original Fela Kuti recordings.
This is a Broadway version of Fela Kuti. The music is well performed, but it lacks just a bit of the fire and groove of the original music (although I haven't heard all the original songs included here). It is also much cleaner. The recording is clean, the actor's enunciation is clean and distinct, and the music sounds highly rehearsed, with less room for spontaneity than in Fela's own music. These are just some of the little telltale signs that this is not quite Fela Kuti. And of course, the language is all English, which Fela himself used when it suited him but no more.
Still, it is a worthwhile album and I liked it quite a bit.... Read more ›
I haven't seen the play from which this music comes. But I do like Fela Kuti and think he is arguably the most internationally important African musician of the 20th century. He is a cultural and musical figure that too few people in the U.S. are aware of. To the extent this play and record help change that, it's all to the good.
The album contains interludes with the actor who plays Fela Kuti narrating recollections as Fela, incidents from his life and some of the ideas that formed him as an artist. This is actually nice value added that could make it worthwhile for a general listener to get this record in addition to original Fela Kuti recordings.
This is a Broadway version of Fela Kuti. The music is well performed, but it lacks just a bit of the fire and groove of the original music (although I haven't heard all the original songs included here). It is also much cleaner. The recording is clean, the actor's enunciation is clean and distinct, and the music sounds highly rehearsed, with less room for spontaneity than in Fela's own music. These are just some of the little telltale signs that this is not quite Fela Kuti. And of course, the language is all English, which Fela himself used when it suited him but no more.
Still, it is a worthwhile album and I liked it quite a bit.... Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
We saw Fela on Broadway last night, from the front row no less. Thank you, TKTS. The play's energy is, at least for me, irresistible. A large portion of that energy comes from the dancing of the numerous, talented and hyperactive cast, but the dancing goes hand in hand with the music. And what music it is -- Fela gets credit in the Playbill for creating the Afrobeat sound. Maybe, maybe not. But it's a sound, and a loud sound for sure, made up of drums, guitar, bass, horns, and insistent vocals, that keeps you moving long after the show has ended. If you can get to New York, or live in New York, see Fela live. Lacking that, pick up this original cast recording if you have any interest in African music at all. It may not change your life, but it will wake up any sleeping body.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Anne La Mont
Format:Audio CD
Sorry about the title it just was impossible not to use, my Bad.That apology aside,here is my review.
Broadway recordings often don't work for me as they tend to include dialogue that don't mean much if you haven't seen the show nor is it a normal musical cd. Fela! mixes 16 of Fela Kuti's songs including the brilliant I.T.T. and Zombie with musically trying to describe the life of Fela, the late Nigerian political activist and inventor of Afro-beat. There are also songs sung by Lilas White, Fela's mother and Saycon Sengbloh a girlfriend in the play. Actor Sahr Ngaujah infuses Fela! with his phenomenal voice, bringing all the material to life. There are bands and "Antibalas" is genius slipping between jazz, funk and Afro-beat - sometimes all in one song. Does this cd work as a stand alone musical piece? Not for me but there are interesting pieces here. You have to decide if there is enough to buy the whole piece. I suspect if you saw this as a play you would almost HAVE to have it.
Broadway recordings often don't work for me as they tend to include dialogue that don't mean much if you haven't seen the show nor is it a normal musical cd. Fela! mixes 16 of Fela Kuti's songs including the brilliant I.T.T. and Zombie with musically trying to describe the life of Fela, the late Nigerian political activist and inventor of Afro-beat. There are also songs sung by Lilas White, Fela's mother and Saycon Sengbloh a girlfriend in the play. Actor Sahr Ngaujah infuses Fela! with his phenomenal voice, bringing all the material to life. There are bands and "Antibalas" is genius slipping between jazz, funk and Afro-beat - sometimes all in one song. Does this cd work as a stand alone musical piece? Not for me but there are interesting pieces here. You have to decide if there is enough to buy the whole piece. I suspect if you saw this as a play you would almost HAVE to have it.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I'm blown away... I've been listening to FELA's music since I was in my early teens... I have every album from which these tunes came so I definitely know his sound. The cast album catches it, and to boot, the lyrics are changed to plain English, so now you can better understand the meaning of the tunes if you don't understand the Yoruba words.
Even if you're not too keen on the idea of a Broadway musical about FELA, I think the album is definitely worth the purchase for this reason alone, and again, it really does capture the Africa 70/Egypt 80 sound, a fete in itself since Fela and Tony Allen had such a distinctive sound. The album could pretty much pass for the real thing.
As for the musical, regrettably I'm out of country now, otherwise I'd probably go to see it many times. Really though, he deserves a movie, not just a stage play. This was definitely a larger than life man.
As an anecdote, FELA sometimes would do gigs where he refused to go on stage unless the owner of the clubs gave him more money... One time in Philly he had his band play and play and play but refused to come out, but then only appeared for a short time... because of that, I regret that I decided not to catch his show the time I had a good opportunity to... now FELA is no longer with us, and since he was an idol of mine, I deeply regret it. Well, here's the second chance...!
Even if you're not too keen on the idea of a Broadway musical about FELA, I think the album is definitely worth the purchase for this reason alone, and again, it really does capture the Africa 70/Egypt 80 sound, a fete in itself since Fela and Tony Allen had such a distinctive sound. The album could pretty much pass for the real thing.
As for the musical, regrettably I'm out of country now, otherwise I'd probably go to see it many times. Really though, he deserves a movie, not just a stage play. This was definitely a larger than life man.
As an anecdote, FELA sometimes would do gigs where he refused to go on stage unless the owner of the clubs gave him more money... One time in Philly he had his band play and play and play but refused to come out, but then only appeared for a short time... because of that, I regret that I decided not to catch his show the time I had a good opportunity to... now FELA is no longer with us, and since he was an idol of mine, I deeply regret it. Well, here's the second chance...!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Music was amazing from the show, glad to have it in C.D.
I have seen this show now 3 times, with two different actors playing Fela Kuti. The music, the singers, dancers where amazing! The C.D. Is like bringing the show to my car! :-)
Published 16 months ago by LOVESEXYSHOES!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fela! Rocks!
I had seen the Broadway show and was entranced by the music and dancing. The Broadway recording is just as great, and is fast becoming a favorite.
Published 20 months ago by Debrianna Obara
5.0 out of 5 stars
Politics and History have never been so danceable!
I got this the day it was released and have listened to it often in the times since. Put simply, the actor playing Fela is excellent, the ensemble is perfect, and the band and... Read more
Published 24 months ago by W. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brings back positive memories of a great night on Broadway.
Fela! the play in my mind was a great combination of a story, dance, music, politics, history, and sexual energy. Read more
Published on December 28, 2010 by William L Eckman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant work.
EVERYBODY SAY YEAH! YEAH! WELCOME NA THE SHRINE.
You can't help but love the man Shah Ngauja and the entire Fela! crew. Absolutely brilliant.
You can't help but love the man Shah Ngauja and the entire Fela! crew. Absolutely brilliant.
Published on November 23, 2010 by Udoinyang
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Blast
If you don't jump up and start dancing from the first track . . . then this is not for you. The whole album is excellent from start to finish . . . very well recorded. Read more
Published on November 2, 2010 by BudLouis
5.0 out of 5 stars
afro beats/world beats
Loved the play. Had to get the CD - Love it too, already gave two as gifts.
Published on September 1, 2010 by petes
1.0 out of 5 stars
Almost Totally Unlistenable
I suspected that this was not the show for me when I saw an excerpt on the Tony awards. I am rather a completest however, and always buy all the Broadway show albums. Read more
Published on August 25, 2010 by Terry Carroll
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