Search - Chief Stephen Osadebe :: Sound Time

Sound Time
Chief Stephen Osadebe
Sound Time
Genres: International Music, Pop
 
The Nigerian king of highlife music has been recording since the '60s, and these sides, made between 1970-75, work to capture the essence of his music--which is nothing less than the groove itself. From the first beat, ...  more »

     

CD Details

All Artists: Chief Stephen Osadebe
Title: Sound Time
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Sin-Drome Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2001
Re-Release Date: 8/12/2003
Album Type: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
Genres: International Music, Pop
Style: Africa
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 807352000920

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The Nigerian king of highlife music has been recording since the '60s, and these sides, made between 1970-75, work to capture the essence of his music--which is nothing less than the groove itself. From the first beat, his band, the Nigerian Soundmakers, locks onto a groove and hangs on like a group of pit bulls, whether on the very African "Oyolima" or "Gwam Okwu," which funks as if they'd just heard James Brown or Sly Stone for the first time--which maybe they had. Chief Stephen himself, on vocals, might be upfront part of the time, but the power of the musicians is what really carries everything here--the horns, and especially the lead guitar of Ezekiel Uti, who seems as happy playing chords and using his wah-wah pedal as letting loose on solos. It's all hypnotic and intensely rhythmic, the kind of sound that can keep you dancing--and with many of the tracks here clocking in at over eight minutes, there's no excuse not to shake that booty. --Chris Nickson

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CD Reviews

Fantastic
Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 04/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"At long last!!!!The Soundmakers were among the most important of the "highlife" (a term to describe a light, flowing, infectious dance style that originated in Ghana. Generally, highlife music is seen in guitar based bands, such as the Oriental Brothers, or dance bands with horns and guitars; the Soundmakers fall into this category) bands in Nigeria during the 1970's.The music is instantly danceable, and bears a kinship to the funk of Fela Kuti- though not as political as Kuti's music- while its lyracism could be likened to King Sunny Ade or Ebeneezer Obey, 2 of Nigeria's more famous proponents of juju music. Stephen Osadebe, the venerable frontman of the group, is not the focal point of the band on this particular recording- indeed, the guitar of the amazing Ezekiel Uti, along with the tight drums and bass of Dede Uzoma and John Odagwe respectively, make the tracks alive with passion. The lp ripples with excitement and never slows down once the initial groove has been locked in. Stephen's lyrics, ranging from folk songs to praising his patrons (a very common trait in African music) to the joy music offers him and his band, adds the fuel needed to keep the band grooving. And groove they do.This recent retrospective is a remarkable find, and well worth the investment. The songs, the grooves, the band, and the vibes, are all tight, and in sync with each other. A few second in and you'll be up dancing to the hypnotic funk grooves offered within. A storied bandleader. A glorious cd. Remarkable."
Old-style Nigerian highlife...
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 10/29/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)

"An outstanding historical recording of old-school Nigerian highlife from the newly-inagurated IndigeDisc label. We've grown so used the the sleekness of production-heavy studio wizards like King Sunny Ade that hearing something like this, that retains its charming, minute imperfections, is a real treat. This album includes seven great tracks from one of the founders of the Nigerian pop scene, recorded between 1970-1985... It's all top-flight material, warm, gentle and captivating.... This disc stands up to repeated listenings, and has survived many a CD carousel purge at my house... In fact, it's still in there, and I'm still happy! Highly recommended."
Smooth Classic Highlife
BennyG | New york, NY United States | 12/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chief Stephan introduced me to highlife. I saw him play in New York - and as an aside, he is a wonderfull performer if you ever get the chance to see him.I own a number of Chief Stephan albums, and this is my favorite. Sound Time was recorded in the 70s and captures Stephan's distinctive laid back style. The sound quality is better than on his other recordings of that era (the ones I have heard), and the musical quality and soulfullness surpasses that of his more recent recordings.This is my favorite classic highlife album after Rex Lawson's greatest hits. Though Lawson is the highlife king (as his name implies), Sound Time - with its polished sound - would be more appropriate to play when you want something not so rough around the edges.Just listen to the sample Amazon supplies of track 4 - need I say more?"