AFREAKA!

Released in 1970 by Pye and most likely would not have been if the Producer ( Barry Murray) prevoius album had not been Mungo Jerry's, self titled album. In The Summertime was the single which went to No1 in the UK. The record label presuming they were on to something hot let him do this one and quickly came to realise this was not apparent as the album made no impact and disappeared.

The band comprised seven members and are joined by Ayinde Foalrin from Nigeria providing assistance with African percussion used throughout which is one of the reasons this album has a style of its own. Jam Band would be the term we would use to describe the music today but with Funk, Psyche, Rock, Jazz, Ska and a bit of Prog used it is one groover of a record which these days is bringing large amounts on the collectors market as it is in hot demand from DJs.

Past Present and Future is instrumental all the way and lays one nice groove down and is one great listen which runs for just under ten minutes. The next track Disillusioned we get to hear Smokey lay his vocals down (Selwyn Adams) who just does not seem to grab me but the music is good enough to carry the song along and still is quite a good listen with a great soprano sax solo.Personally for me this band should have had a more driving vocalist or gone instrumental all the way. Tenor Sax is used on every other track with great funky Bass lines,good drumming.great Guitar ( preference for Wah Wah Pedal mainly ),Sax and Trombone solos all over an organ groove predominately and you have it. Mercy Variation No 1 another instrumental closes the album with a great drumming,Wah Wah Guitar and that Tenor Sax almost sounding like a train and we are off on a great groove.

The actual album only comprised 5 tracks and a suitable single could not be found so they did a cover of the Screaming Jay Hawkins tune I Put a Spell on you which is quite okay.. Fuzz Oriental Blues. which is another of the three bonus tracks was the flip..

The musicians are quite good and occasionally one hears the odd influence but what I hear with the sax player is Fela Kuti particulary with his intros with that few notes..break ..again and on. That sound Fela had, more of a riff than a solo.

I am going for 4 stars simply because of the grooves which are damn good when they get going and that African percussion which give the album a great feel to it.