OSIBISA

A delightful debut from Osibisa that was a breath of fresh air when I first heard it. Previously I didn't know much about ethnic fusion. I loved Santana, and in retrospect even though I discovered them by accident Osibisa's first two albums are a logical step forward from there.

Osibisa's self titled is a varied affair that brings a lot of different sounds to the table, while remaining distinctively Osibisa. The jazzier tracks, like Dawn and Phallus C, are very free and adventurous. Shorter tracks like the powerful Music for Gong Gong and the delightful Oranges are more structured, but no less progressive and still very jazzy.

Musically, Osibisa fuses ethnic instrumentation and soloing with the more recent sounds of the electric keyboard and guitar. The rhythm section, as one might expect from the African influence is very tight and very powerful, and provides a very interesting and different groundwork for the musicians to work with. Don't expect the virtuosity of a Carlos Santana, but these are all accomplished musicians that play from their hearts, and that's all I really want out of a jazz record.

Certainly check this band out if you like Santana, or any similar ethnic fusion (Mandrill and Cymande spring to mind). Not exclusively however, any big fusion fan should find this delightful.

And as always here on PA, bonus points for the Roger Dean artwork!