Bokoor Beats: Vintage Afro-Beat, Afro-Rock & Electric Highlife From Ghana
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Free Music Notes for Bokoor Beats: Vintage Afro-Beat, Afro-Rock & Electric Highlife From Ghana
Free Music Review: A Fantastic Collection of Vintage Ghanaian Music
Hit: 5 Stars
Ghanaian music does not get the respect it deserves. In the West African sub-genre of Afropop, it always seems to get eclipsed by Mali's Desert Blues and the various sounds from Nigeria. "Bokoor Beats: Vintage Afro-Beat, Afro-Rock & Electric Highlife From Ghana" seeks to rectify this sad state of affairs. A case can easily be made that "Bokoor Beats" covers one of the greatest time periods for Ghanaian music. This disc documents the era when Ghanaian popular music had moved away from the big band sounds of the 1950's and embraced Rock and Funk. That written, it also predates the contemporary epoch when Ghanaian musicians too fully embraced modern Pop. These sorts of projects almost always have a fascinating background story. The narrative behind "Bokoor Beats" doesn't disappoint. Bokoor (meaning coolness) was both a band and a studio run by Englishman John Collins. Recorded at Bokoor Studios, this disc features tracks by Bokoor Band and Blekete & the Big Beats, Mangwana Stars, T.O. Jazz and Oyikwan Internationals. Most listeners don't think of Ghana when Afrobeat comes to mind. "Bokoor Beats" reinterprets history with a healthy helping of Afrobeat and African rock. In addition, some songs are infused with that wonderful sound of Zairean guitars. This release also pushes the "H." Yes, it nobly asserts that dirty H-word in Afropop -Highlife. Don't worry -this is great stuff! The most unusual element of "Bokoor Beats" is John Collins' extensive use of the harmonica. While it helps the Bokoor Band stand out, the rock style harmonica also tends to get old quickly. Recorded between 1974 and 1992, the vintage sound is as surprisingly consistent as the overall superb sound quality. The liner notes are extensive and secure Collins' musical legacy. Despite John Collins' promotional interview on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," the listener should still pick this up as soon as possible. As wonderful as these projects can be, they tend to go out-of-print quickly. For a case in point, check out the Ghana Soundz: Afro-Beat Funk & Fusion series. Listeners of vintage Afropop will adore "Bokoor Beats."