THE WHITEFIELD BROTHERS - EARTHOLOGY

 

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Track 1 - Joyful Exaltation

Track 2 - Safari Strut

Track 3 - Reverse

Track 4 - Taisho

Track 5 - Sad Nile

Track 6 - The Gift

Track 7 - Ntu

Track 8 - Pamukkale

Track 9 - Alin

Track 10 - Breakin' Through

Track 11 - Sem Yelesh

Track 12 - Lullaby For Lagos

Track 13 - Chich

I first came into contact with The Whitefield Brothers through a YouTube video for the song "Safari Strut". Clearly this is some kind of lost mystical afro/breakbeat album from the mid 70's I thought to myself. To my amazement however I discovered the record was released just a few short years ago. Once I had listened to the whole set the modern aspects on tracks such as "Reverse" and "The Gift" became apparent but the most striking part of the music is the dedication to authenticity, particularly when it comes to the truly stunning percussion work.

When performers try to mix a number of different genres together the results can sometimes be disconnected and wishy washy but there are no such problems here. The blend of funk, jazz, afro, exotica and Clutchy Hopkins style drumming is sublime and evokes images of taking a roadtrip through the heart of Africa. It's a glorious celebration of sound that I can't recommend highly enough.

The Whitefield Brothers ( aka The Poets Of Rhythm ) have released one other album that I know of, 2002's "In The Raw" which is also outstanding. Thanks to the original uploader. Enjoy!