Chicago Afrobeat Project - (A) Move To Silent Unrest

Funk, funk and more funk

Afrobeat, like reggae, is now a worldwide music and not just recorded in its native country, Nigeria. (A) Move To Silent Unrest was recorded in Chicago (no surprises there, given the band name) by a bunch of Fela Kuti lovers who also happen to be first class musicians.

It really is a tour de force of funk, with a heavy nod to the 70s Blaxploitation soundtracks, particularly on groovers such as Superstar Pt 7 involving long jazzy sax and electric piano solos, plus a dancers delight of throbbing bass. A more traditional Afrobeat rises in the slower Bscg2 and the only vocal track on the album, Media Man, with Ugochi Nwagwugwua offering a swipe against the media and their manipulation of the real truth.

The six instrumental tracks blend heavy Afrobeat with funky jazz to the benefit of both music forms. The playing is exemplary – just check-out the guitar and Hammond solos on the uptempo Chupacabra – while the solid groove of the rhythm section just rides on and on. We defy anyone to sit still while this shuffles through their iPod.

Cabp Music | CAbP-002

Reviewed by Michael de Koningh
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