Olatunji
(Columbia/Legacy)
The first "world music" star arose in the West before the term was even coined. In 1959, Nigerian percussionist Babatunde Olatunji entered a New York studio with three fellow drummers and nine female singers. The resulting Drums of Passion became a left-field hit, inspiring such diverse musicians as Miles Davis and Moe Tucker. Despite its origins, Drums sounds like a field recording. The material is mostly traditional chants, exalting holidays ("Odun De! Odun De!") or Nigerian deities ("Shango''). The drums are indeed passionate, notably on the slow-building "Oya," but often just support the call-and-response vocals.
1966's More Drums of Passion is richer and less pure. Five more drummers and sundry new timbres enrich the troupe's sound. Featuring faster cadences and more chiming tones, such tracks as "Mbira" are intricate and intoxicating. This is no longer strictly Nigerian music, but a pan-African blend whose appeal clatters beyond mere exoticism. On most of the nine bonus tracks, various jazz players pay heartfelt but inessential tribute to Olatunji's breakthrough.
Standout Tracks: "Oya," "Mbira" MARK JENKINS
