Album Review
Frimpong, K. His Cubano Fiestas – “K. Frimpong” 1976″ – [Continental Records]
ArtCrimes 9/6/2011 12-inch, International
Alhaji K. Frimpong is one of the artists featured in Soundway’s “Ghana Sounds”??and “Ghana Special” compilations, and his tracks were notable there for his evolution of the highlife sound into something a bit more influenced by Western rock conventions, with horns being less prominent than in more typical highlife. The backing band here (known as “Vis a Vis” on their own recordings without Frimpong) is nowhere near as Cuban-influenced as that of more traditional highlife bands, despite their adopted name here: “Cubano Fiestas.” Frimpong’s vocal style and use of electronic keyboards gives these 1976 recordings (his “Blue” record, as opposed to the self-titled “Black” one released in 1977) a distinct style falling somewhere in betweeen highlife and garage rock, more of an an Afro-rock sound. The sleeve notes the participation of “Africa’s No. 1 Drummer,” Kung Fu Kwaku, and his role cannot be underestimated, as he adds a lot of personality as well, with his beats often just as interesting as Frimpong’s own singing. “Kyenkyen Bi Adi Mawu,” the lead track here, is among his best known recordings. Frimpong passed away in 2005. <crimes>
you heard it 35 times on kfjc! most recently:
- 745 days ago, Avakhov played Afe Nkyere Ba
- 787 days ago, Cadillac Margarita played Kyenkyen Be Adi M'awu
- 990 days ago, Slartibartfast played Baabi a Obi Awuo
- 1074 days ago, Bully Demise played Koforidua Nsuo
- 1165 days ago, Slartibartfast played Kyenkyen Be Adi M'awu
12345 S. El Monte Road Los Altos Hills, California 94022
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