Tony Allen - Secret Agent

[Stefan Wood]

Got this from Dusty Groove over the weekend, and on first listen I am disappointed! This is mostly a throwback to the classic 70's Afrobeat sound that he helped create, and for the most part he is playing as well as ever. But in many ways it isn't; despite the strong political lyrics to most of the tunes, they sound downright sunny or lighter than one would expect. Not exactly highlife sunny, but it feels more commercial -- a celebration of Tony Allen's sound rather than a progression of where the music has gone since his days with Fela. And that's the main reason why I am disappointed -- I loved his previous "Live" cd from Comet, which is more progressive, thoughtful and improvised than this album. Perhaps I am comparing apples to oranges. Tony Allen sings on several of the tracks, but has guests - mostly female vocalists - on the others. For the most part the cd invokes classic Afrobeat, while stand out tracks -- "Celebrate" and "Pariwo" -- go a little beyond that framework, more in keeping with what Allen has done recently -- a little jazz improv on the horns, Allen guiding everyone ever so subtly. I'm sure many will enjoy this latest effort, but I was expecting something more.

Edited April 28, 2010 by Stefan Wood

[JSngry]

Try this one:

[Stefan Wood]

Ordered.

[Man with the Golden Arm]

agree the latest seems a triptych to 'Voices' and 'Home Cookin' but is a bit more "lite".

this is nice preview - featuring the title track:

[Man with the Golden Arm]

npr sunday 5/16/10