Jealousy / Progress

Amazon.com
Drummer Tony Allen was the rhythmic force behind Fela Kuti's influential Afro-beat ensemble of the 1970s. Though Allen's own recordings expanded and elaborated on the formula they co-created, his early LPs remained out of print for years. Now the long-lost treasures are back as double-CD releases, and they still move and groove with the same force as three decades ago. Imagine a Nigerian version of James Brown's band with Art Blakey's finesse and Max Roach's jazzy complexity and you'll understand the groove signature of the extended tracks. With Allen's drumming driving the gut-level bass lines, down-home horns, spacy keyboards, and spicy vocals, cuts like the nearly 12-minute "Jealousy" and "Afro Disco Beat" will drive today's kids into Afro-diasporic dervishes that only a groove master like Tony Allen can conjure. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Tracks:

Jealousy
Hustler
Progress
Afro Disco Beat

Amazon.com

Drummer Tony Allen was the rhythmic force behind Fela Kuti's influential Afro-beat ensemble of the 1970s. Though Allen's own recordings expanded and elaborated on the formula they co-created, his early LPs remained out of print for years. Now the long-lost treasures are back as double-CD releases, and they still move and groove with the same force as three decades ago. Imagine a Nigerian version of James Brown's band with Art Blakey's finesse and Max Roach's jazzy complexity and you'll understand the groove signature of the extended tracks. With Allen's drumming driving the gut-level bass lines, down-home horns, spacy keyboards, and spicy vocals, cuts like the nearly 12-minute "Jealousy" and "Afro Disco Beat" will drive today's kids into Afro-diasporic dervishes that only a groove master like Tony Allen can conjure. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Fela's Rhythmic Backbone.......2005-05-07

Tony Allen is without question of the world's greatest drummers. As the rhythmic backbone of Fela Kuti's legendary Afrika 70 group, Allen's contribution to Afrobeat, and music in general, was essential. He was to Fela what Elvin Jones was to John Coltrane! His pivotal drumming style combined elements of traditional African, R&B/funk, and jazz polyrhythms to forge a truly revolutionary and distinctive sound. As a long time member of Fela's group, he was also high profile enough to make his own albums as a leader with Afrika 70, two of which are included here. "Jealousy," with its B-side "Hustler," and "Progress," with its B-side "Afro Disco Beat," have all the trademarks of classic Afrobeat -- pulsating march-like grooves, layered percussion, and great, catchy horn riffs. The only thing missing is Fela's booming baritone vocals. With facsimiles of the original cover art and an essay by esteemed Fela biographer Michael Veal, this is a most necessary purchase for Fela devotees. If you picked up all the Fela MCA reissues as I have (if you haven't, hurry up they are starting to go OOP), and you can't get enough Afrika 70, then this disc is for you.

Average customer rating:

Tony Allen & Africa 70--Jealousy/progress

Jealousy/Progress
Tony Allen & Africa 70
Manufacturer: Strut
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Nigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004SRJY

Tracks:

Jealousy
Hustler
Progress
Afro Disco Beat

Album Description

UK reissue of two 70s albums from the drummer for Fela Kuti's Africa '70 band, considered a master of the Afrobeat percussion style. 2000 release. Paper sleeve.

Album Details

Two Albums on One CD.

Customer Reviews:

Tony Allen & Africa 70--Jealousy/progress.......2000-06-14

Great Music, if you are a fan of Fela than this is the cd for you. Pure afro-beat at it's best. Fela plays sax and electric piano on all four tracks. Two tracks have lyrics and two are instramentals.