Synchro System/Aura

by King Sunny Ade

Overview

King Sunny Ade had been making his own music since 1974 with his group the Green Spots before creating his large African Beats group. This band, despite making literally over 100 records in Nigeria, failed to stir much Western interest until Mango Records, a subsidiary of Island, took a chance and issued the breakthrough album Juju Music in 1982. With its seven extended cuts, it introduced King Sunny Ade & His African Beats to the U.S. as well as England and most of the rest of Europe -- save for France, where the band had previously been able to tour. This U.K. two-fer reissue of 1983's Synchro System and Aura (on Cherry Red's T-Bird imprint) is comprised of the other two recordings in the band's Mango catalog (the band was dropped after sales of these two recordings proved disappointing to label bosses who tried to market Ade as "the new Bob Marley"). While not as qualitatively strong as Juju Music, these recordings are not without their merits -- and placing them on a single CD makes for a much more satisfying listening experience. The virtual guitar armies heard on both albums create a still unique sound well into the 21st century. Standout cuts on the first album include "Synchro Feelings," "Synchro System," and "E Wele." Ade is on lead guitar backed by three other guitarists: Bob Ohiri, Segun Hori, and John Akpan, as well as steel guitarist Demola Adepoju, a slew of talking drums, bass, and a backing chorus. Aura includes these three principal guitarists as well as some different personnel, though the band is just as large. This set's highlights include the hypnotic "Ase," the labyrinthine "Gboromiro," and the sprightly "Oremi." For those looking for remastered versions of these seminal albums, this set with its budget price point is well worth seeking out. ~ Thom Jurek

Product Details

Release Date:	08/31/2010
Label:	Island / T-Bird
UPC:	5013929883468

Tracks

1. Synchro Feelings -- Ilkao
2. Mo Ti Mo
3. Penkele
4. Maajo
5. Synchro System
6. E Saiye Re
7. Tolongo
8. E Wele
9. Synchro Reprise
10. Ase
11. Gboromiro
12. Ogunja
13. Oremi
14. Ire
15. Iro

Album Credits

Performance Credits

King Sunny Ade   Primary Artist,Bongos,Congas,Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards
Martin Meissonnier   Keyboards
Stevie Wonder   Soloist,Harmonica,Guest Artist
Tony Allen   Drums,Guest Artist
Demola Adepoju   Guitar (Steel)
Fatoke Abiodun   Agogo
Bob Ohiri   Guitar,Guitar (Tenor)
Kayode Dosumu   Vocals
Moses Akanbi   Drums
Phil Ramocon   Clavinet,Guest Artist
Michael Babalola   Maracas
Herry Ihejejo   Bass
Jelili Lawal   Bass
Femi Owomoyela   Vocals
Matthew Olojede   Vocals
Rasaki Aladokun   Talking Drum
Ademola Adepoju   Guitar (Steel)
Shina Abiodun   Congas,Vocals (Background)
Tunde Demiola   Vocals
Jonah Bonsu   Keyboards
John Akpan   Guitar (Rhythm)
Segun Hori   Guitar,Soloist
Gani Alashe   Shekere
Jacob Ajakaye   Vocals
Niyi Falaye   Vocals
Alhaji Timmy Olaitan   Talking Drum
Elser Osei   Guitar,Guest Artist
Ganiyu Alashe   Shekere
Santa Mamola   Guitar (Tenor)

Technical Credits

Martin Meppiel   Coordination
Steve Street   Assistant Engineer
Stephen Street   Assistant
Gary Olazabal   Engineer
Malcolm Dome   Liner Notes
Roger Lomas   Mastering
Martin Meissonnier   Producer
Chris Musto   Design
Godwin Logie   Mixing,Engineer
King Sunny Ade   Composer,Producer
Bruno Tilley   Cover Design,Art Direction
Brian Griffin   Photography
Philip Tenants   Assistant
Mathew Osiyawu   Assistant
Abdloulaye Sumare   Engineer
Catherine Lesevre   Assistant Engineer
Mr. Salami   Assistant