|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LP
|
|
PMG 085LP
|
PMG present a reissue of The Apostles' Banko Woman, originally released in 1977. "Heaven sent from Nigeria's tumultuous east, The Apostles have been preaching a particular blend of funky psychedelic soul/rock fusion for over forty years. On Banko Woman they threw a little Afrobeat into the mix, creating an Afro-funk disco bomb that has been energizing dance floors ever since. The title track finds the band at the height of their powers. Stung by the acclaim Felix 'Feladay' Odey got for the searing guitar lead on 'Never Too Late', Walton Arungwa is a man possessed, trading licks with keyboardist Benjamin Nnamdi Davidson and sounding all the world like a Nigerian Carlos Santana. The players in the rhythm section, Henry Asu Tandu, Chicago Nwoha and Harrison Mba, are tight and relentless, keeping their heads so everyone else can lose theirs. Of course, you don't stay successful as long as The Apostles without giving the audience what they want. On Banko Woman, that's a country song for mum and dad ('Mr Too Know') and a couple of earnest, plaintive tracks for emotional challenged chaps to dedicate to their girlfriends ('Yours Sincerely' and 'Friend Today, Enemy Tomorrow'). You also finish on a high. 'Disciple Funk' is almost a religious experience, an eight-minute long instrumental wig that will have you flipping the record back to side one and starting all over again." --Peter Moore
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
7"
|
|
COS 115EP
|
"For over forty years, the Apostles of Aba have stood as the jewel in the crown of the music scene in Eastern Nigeria. Since their formation in 1973, the band has turned out memorable performances in a variety of styles including rock, soul, funk, pop and reggae. Even today, the Apostles continue to thrill audiences in their hometown of Aba with dazzling shows. Cultures of Soul is proud to present one of the Apostles' more obscure -- yet relentlessly funky recordings in a full-color custom reverse board jacket. 'Banko Woman' was originally released on the eponymous LP on Love Day Records in 1977. Straddling the world realms of Afro-funk and disco, the track has long been a coveted dance floor filler amongst DJs, and for the first time is available for a wider audience. On the B-side is 'Faith, Luck & Music,' also from the original Banko Woman album."
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
PMG 032CD
|
PMG present a reissue of The Apostles's self-titled album, originally released in 1976. "The Apostles were disciples of a heavy kind of psychedelic soul/rock fusion. After The Funkees left for London, they stepped into the breach to become the champions of East Nigeria's flourishing post-war music scene. Based in Aba, and led by guitarist and charismatic chancer Walton Arungwa, they laid down a couple of singles with the city's newly-formed BEN label. EMI liked what they heard and in 1976 they whisked the band to Lagos to record The Apostles with the legendary Emmanual Odenusi at the controls. A heavy mix of wailing guitar, swirling organ and James Brown-style vocals, it became a fixture in every east Nigerian home. 'Never Too Late' sets the stage with a scorching lead break that most believe was played by guitar-slinger-for-hire, Felix 'Feladay' Odey. Drummer Joel Madubuike and bass player Henry Tandu lay down the rock solid groove for Benji Davidson's righteous organ lines in 'Inflation' and 'Highway to Success.' And each is invested with an urgency from battle-hardened vocals of Chyke Fussion, a veteran of the Biafra war. Don't be fooled by the angelic white outfits worn on the cover of The Apostles. These guys were bad. And 'Never Too Late' could well be the best Afro rock song ever recorded." --Peter Moore.
|