Oneness Of Juju - African Rhythms

Reviews

A landmark of Afro-centric jazz in the 70s -- and the first album by this famous underground collective! Oneness of Juju were a Washington DC-based group that grew out of the ashes of the Juju avant jazz ensemble -- formed in the culturally rich African-American community of DC in the 70s, with spiritual and political aspirations that stretched far beyond the average funky combo. This first album is a masterful blend of percussion, jazz, and a slight bit of funk -- alternating vocal tracks with harder-hitting jazz instrumentals, all held together under the leadership of sax player Plunky Nakabinde. The album's one of the greatest independent soul jazz albums of the 70s -- and it's filled with great tracks, such as the breakbeat classic "African Rhythms" and "Liberation Dues". Other titles include "Kazi", "Funky Wood", "Don't Give Up", "Poo Too", and "Incognito".

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"One of the most groundbreaking bands of their time. From early avant-garde jazz work on the Strata East label to their later fusions of Afrobeat, funk and spiritual jazz, Oneness stand as a huge influence for today's jazz scene. Released in 1976, the African Rhythms album is Oneness Of Juju's masterpiece. Bandleader J. Plunky Branch had moved back to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia from New York and introduced R&B, funk and African percussion into his music to appeal to the local market. Topped by the soaring vocals of Jackie Holoman-Lewis, the Oneness sound became a tight, supremely soulful outfit. Although it sold to the local market, African Rhythms was revived in the late '80s when rare groove fever hit the UK. Ever since, the album has been an essential part of any soul and funk DJ's collection."

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trut continue their re-issue program of the '70s catalogue with Oneness Of Juju, one of the most groundbreaking bands of their time. From early avant-garde jazz work on the Strata East label to their later fusions of Afrobeat, funk and spritual jazz, Oneness stand as a huge influence for today's jazz scene. Released in 1976, The African Rhythms album is Oneness Of Juju's masterpieces. Bandleader J. Plunky Branch had moved back to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia from New York and introduced R&B, funk and African percussion into his music to appeal to the local market. Topped by the soaring vocals of Jackie Holoman-Lewis, the Oneness sound became a tight, supremely soulful outfit. Includes the bonus tracks 'Liberation Dues' (instrumental) & 'African Rhythms' (45 version).

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Tracklist

01. African Rhythms (7:17)
02. Kazi (4:20)
03. Funky Wood (1:13)
04. Tarishi (3:55)
05. Mashariki (3:22)
06. Chants (1:14)
07. Don't Give Up (5:41)
08. Incognito (8:10)
09. Poo Too (3:43)
10. Liberation Dues (4:34)
11. Liberation Dues (Instrumental) (8:40)
12. African Rhythms (45 Version) (3:40)