Blo
Chapter One
Price much higher, please confirm if still needed. 'Chapter One' was Blo's debut album, originally released by EMI Nigeria in 1973. Blo were remarkable for a variety of reasons: they were arguably the first REAL rock trio to emerge from Africa and its members (the legendary Berkely Ike Jones on guitar, drummer Laolu Akins Akintobi and bass player Mike Gbenga Odumosu) had a pedigree like few others at the time, having worked as part of Ginger Baker's band Salt in the years leading to their formation in 1972. Historical facts aside the albums enduring appeal and significance still resides in the music. On offer are eight tracks of infectious Afro-rock, combined with western '60s psychedelia and early '70s rock and funk. The result is one of the finest -and most famous- African fusion albums ever! Making the most of the band's trio format, 'Chapter One' features outstanding guitar work from Jones, fuzzy, raw and reminiscent of the western greats, backed by the funky interplay of Akintobi's drums and Odumosu's bass. While officially featuring only one instrumental track, the raga-tinged 'Miss Sagitt', vocals aren't the album's most prominent element. Instead they function more like a rhythmic addition which the trio deploys in just the right amount. Despite its current standing as one of the most sought after African albums, 'Chapter One' performed poorly on release, leading the band to switch labels and focus on a funkier sound for their follow up. Thus 'Chapter One' remains a rare, and one of the finest, slices of African psychedelic funk, fetching up to $4.000 for an original copy.