Various
Afrobeat Airways 2 (2lp)
Repress! 'RETURN FLIGHT TO GHANA 1974-1983' - From the coastal cities of Accra and Cape Coast, basked in a tropical sound heavily influenced by highlife, to the semi-Saharan cities of Tamal and Bolgatanga (part of a self-proclaimed Islamic Funk Belt) via the central city of Kumasi, Analog Africa has criss-crossed Ghana in search of rare tracks for the 'Afrobeat Airways' series. Following the success of the first instalment in 2009, Analog Africa now presents the second volume, offering a selection of 13 ultra-rare tracks composed by some of the musical giants who had created a movement that rocked the West African nation throughout the '70s. Featured are legendary singer K. Frimpong, Nana Ampedu (leader of the mighty African Brothers Band), Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and his superb guest appearance with The Complex Sounds, Afrobeat star Ebo Taylor, backing his son in an unreleased track called 'Children Don't Cry', the enigmatic Rob and his unique blend of twisted afrofunk, innovative drummer De Frank and Uppers International, with their raw Islamic funk style. At the same time more obscure artists such as Los Issufu & his Moslems, Waza Afriko 76 and Tony Sarfo & His Funky Afrosibi make their northern hemisphere debuts, adding to a rich list of Ghanaian artists whose music could be transferred seamlessly to any dancefloor in the world. Three years in the making, the accompanying 44-page booklet of 'Afrobeat Airways 2' features an introductory essay written by Afropop Worldwide editor Banning Eyre, exploring the development of soul, funk and Afrobeat during the '60s and '70s in Ghana. The remaining 30 pages are packed with interviews and biographies of the artists and producers involved in the creation of this wonderful music. Additionally, the Analog Africa team have managed to track down the photographers of the famous Modern Photo studios, located at the front of Accra's legendary Tip Toe, a venue notorious for organizing unforgettable dance competitions, Miss Tip Toe contests and the most in-demand highlife and Afrobeat gigs of the era. To document what happened within the music scene in Ghana during that time, 400 negatives have been lent to the Analog Africa team. Samy Ben Redjeb selected 50 of the most expressive pictures to document what could well be Analog Africa's most beautiful booklet to date! Tracks: 01. Aja Wondo - Uppers International 02. Children Don't Cry - Ebo Taylor Jr. 03. Do Your Own Thing - De Frank's Band 04. Obiara Wondo - The Cutlass Band 05. Waiting For My Baby - De Frank & His Professionals 06. Wope Me A Ka - The African Brothers 07. Kana Soro - Los Issufu & His Moslems 08. Gbei Kpakpa Hife Sika - Waza-Afriko 76 09. Loose Up Yourself - Rob 10. I Beg - Tony Sarfo & The Funky Afrosibi 11. Abrabo - K. Frimpong 12. Say Min Sy Soh - Pierre Antoine & Vis-a-Vis 13. God Is Love - Complex Soundz