not a name in itself that immediately suggests anything too interesting
but there is an awareness that this man has done all sorts of things musically
significantly as a founding member and driving force in fela kuti's band
and so he too has been credited with inventing the sound of afrobeat
for some reason he has been slotted in as the opening act of day 2
a delayed start for me meant walking into the park later than desired
but this in itself was an interesting experience with the man on stage
even from several hundred metres away i could detect a presence
and as i got closer to the stage the sound became more appealing
a driving bass and drum sound with a loud wah-wah guitar sound
mine not the only ears pricking up and being drawn to the source
there are several hundred early starters down in front of the main stage
many more taking up residence with picnics and rugs under the closest trees
presumably planning on permanent residency for this day of music
a quick scan of the stage revealing a large band at work
3 brass players, keyboards, guitar, bass, percussionist and the man
he on a raised platform stage left and looking appropriately aloof
playing to a bunch of whities in the middle of the day may not be the norm
but to his credit this 68 year old legend turned in a fine performance
he has obviously gathered around him a bunch of talented musicians
bass player and guitarist in particular looking and sounding the part
there is something to be said for black musicians playing black music
these guys just so effortlessly locking in to an amazing groove
afrobeat known for its long tunes of a very repetitive beat
and here we are being treated to a founder turning it on for us
making me think why has he been scheduled at this strange time
maybe to get him as far away as possible from his old band mates
egypt 80 scheduled to play with seun kuti at the end of the day
but that aside and into the infectious music coming our way
the chaps on brass providing texture also very effortlessly
a baritone sax in particular used to add in the dirty noises
at other times trumpet, tenor and baritone sax combining
always on top of a very solid beat coming from the man on drums
the total sound expanded by a lady on conga drums doing her bit
and the unmistakable electric piano sound also added to the mix
me thinking that the small crowd in attendance is having a musical treat
this is not some cover or tribute band to some legendary performer
this is the real deal - and delivered without fuss or fanfare
a fine old start to another fine old womadelaide day
the sun beating down and the music underway
hats off to mr tony allen - very, very groove-y
