Afro-Rock is a ten-track Exotica LP with Dub influences, co-written by British composer, arranger and nightclub bouncer (!) Peter Reno, born Cliff Twemlow (1937–1993), and one dubious gestalt named Luis Vecchio who could or could not be simply another moniker of Twemlow, as this is one of only a few records to ever officially feature his involvement.
A totally killer sound library set -- every bit as funky as others that have been issued under the Afro Rock title -- but a lot more obscure!
The group here has wicked bass and plenty of percussion next to the drums -- and the top of the sound also has some horn work that underscores more contemporary soul touches -- as the whole thing holds together like some of the best Afro-inspired work on the London scene at the time, with maybe some keyboard touches that feel like they're lifted out of the Bay Area or East LA!
Released on the – currently restructured at time of writing this review – De Wolfe Music label in 1971, the opalescent, wildly slick aura of the album is diminished by various saddening factors about which I could ramble and write several additional paragraphs; my forthcoming reviews of records released on the label will offer additional pieces from the puzzle. For now, there are two major things to say about Afro-Rock: firstly, its endemic style is awe-inspiring.
Brass infusions, bongo and conga percussion, flute tones, organ goodness and Funk guitars grace the ten unique movements, rhythm shifts and drum solos included. Decidedly funky, adamantly Rock-infested, the album is a blast.
The album is opened by Megaton that includes smooth organ play combined with an aggressive bassline. It is suitable described as "dramatic, furitive movement" on the back of the cover.
Next up is Renegade that would have been perfect for a blaxploitation flick. Repetitive bass riffs are joined by nice bongos.
Facade is a little up-tempo groover. The funky organ and the horns are dominant on this tune. There is a great percussion solo in the mid-section. Chabati could have been on an Fela Ransome-Kuti & The Africa '70 recording.
Pure afro-funk! The last track on side one is Green Hell. 6.41 minutes of moody, paste changing jungle madness.
Side two is no different from side one. Boss is opened by heavy drums. Brass and organ come in shortly after the bass and in the end, the flute just adds up to the feeling of this mean up-tempo track.
Nsambai and Wabaco are both stunning examples of the quality of the music to be heard on Afro-Rock.
The highlight is the fantastic funky organ and brass work.
The description for Cult truly says it all: "Steady movement – sinister overtones".
My favorite track is Ngoma-Ku. A rare groove gem with a bluesy, jazzy feel. With all the decent solos, I never get bored listening to this one.
The album is an afro funk bomb from start to finish. I think it's a lot better than KPM's Afro-Rock by John Cameron.
Tracks
1. Megaton - 5:01
2. Renegade - 5:05
3. Facade - 3:18
4. Chabati - 3:11
5. Green Hell - 6:41
6. Boss - 3:55
7. Nsambei - 4:00
8. Waboco - 3:29
9. Cult - 4:37
10. Ngoma-ku - 7:04
Companies, etc.
- Design [Sleeve] – Rolph Webster
- Mastered By – Cicely Balston
- Remastered By – Simon Francis
Notes
Released: 1971
Genre: Jazz, Funk / Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Jazz-Rock
Total time: 46:26
Label - Music De Wolfe
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