OSIBISA

OSIBISA may have been a band out of the UK but it's seven members were from Ghana (3), Grenada, Antigua, Nigeria and Trinidad.The band's name apparently means "Criss-cross rhythms that explode with happiness". An apt description. You feel like your listening in on a celebration as they woop it up vocally as percussions, horns, flute, organ and guitar standout. Interesting that this has a Roger Dean cover before even YES had one. So yeah this is a lot of fun.

"The Dawn" is my favourite track once the vocal expressions die down and the music becomes the focus. Flute leads then horns before the organ comes in around 2 1/2 minutes. Guitar before 4 minutes as the organ floats in the background.Big finish to this one. "Music For Gong Gong" is catchy with horns and percussion. Organ before 3 minutes. Someone is blowing a whistle at one point.

"Ayiko Bia" has some weird vocals before the music comes in. More of those vocals again. Not a fan of this one although the guitar is good before 4 minutes. Again a big finish. "Akwaaba" opens with percussion and vocal expressions along with horns. Guitar before 2 minutes then the organ leads a minute later.

"Oranges" is great until the vocals arrive after 2 minutes. Catchy stuff though. "Phallus C" is interesting because the vocals remind me of Joe Jackson (haha). I keep thinking eighties. Love the percussion late. "Think About The People" reminds me of SANTANA, at least the percussion does.

A good album no doubt but I must admit I was hoping more for something like EAST OF EDEN.