International brothers led by Isaac Rogana Ottah

For the next selection on the highlife turntable, I have selected the track Anyi Bu Ndegwu  from the International Brothers led by Rogana Ottah LP on the EMI label.   I first saw this LP about 6 years ago when I heard it when I was visiting Chris Meserve in NY.  I was never able to record the record, but I finally got a copy.

The International Brothers were a loose confederation of top Ukwauni musicians and they did a series of very well regarded LP, usually featuring a guest vocalist like Bob Fred or Steady Arobby. 

This release features the great Rogana Ottah.   Rogana Ottah has always been a personal favorite of mine.  He's recorded 31 LP's, and I have 25 recordings, and by and large all of them are very good.   I love the rawness and energy of the vocals and the guitar lines are impeccable.   It reminded me of what I really liked about Rogana Ottah's singing and the simplicity and beauty behind a well played Ukwauni bass line.  See what you think.



John Beadle has more information about Rogana Ottah at http://biochem.chem.nagoya-u.ac.jp/~endo/EAOttah.html

Isaac Yeboah - Kuul Vis a Vis

For the next selection on the highlife turntable, I have chosen the track  Nte Nsere  by Issac "Superstar" Yeboah off a 1980 Kawawa Sounds International release called Kuul Vis a Vis Special.  The liner notes in the Ghana Box Set, released by Soundways Records, says the band was originally from Kumasi and that Yeboah along with Sammy Cropper and Kung-Fu Kwaku formed the nucleus.  The notes go on to say the band was very influential in shaping the sound on some of the great K. Frimpong releases. 

Even the cover looks like it been through the wars the music shines through.  The languid, rootsy vocals at the beginning gradually give way to some super guitar playing towards the end.  Check out the guitars after the 3.30 mark.  Beautiful stuff. I hope you like it.

Happy Holidays from the highlife cave

Zakry Noel - Croucrou Zedigba (Mystery solved!)

One of my listeners solved the mystery and tells me the singer is Zacry Noel, the style digba (typical Bété rythm) and the song title : Croucrou Zedigba, which means big tears.

I have another mystery track I need help identifying.  I purchased a white label test pressing off ebay and there was no information on the record except the partial words: echante ours.  I've been told it is Ernesto DjeDje.   I really like the song: the vocals are punchy, there is some fatty horn work, a few good guitar lines and a blazing drum solo around the 4 minute mark.  Can anyone identify the song? Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Ubulujaja