The Daktaris - Soul Explosion (1998) {Desco}

Soul Explosion is the1998 debut album by The Daktaris. Released on Desco Records, the label was Gabriel Roth's precursor to what he and Philippe Lehman would create with Daptone Records. Everyone in the band are pseudonymous but some of them would move on with their real names to become a part of Antibalas.

The Daktaris' 1998 debut, Soul Explosion, is dedicated to the memory of Fela Kuti, who pretty much single-handedly invented Afro-beat. The Daktaris are clearly influenced by Fela's signature style, mixing jazz and funk riffs with the hypnotic rhythms of his native Nigeria, but their groove-oriented music is much more accessible to the novice listener than Fela's occasionally fearsome soul stew. Where Fela was heavily influenced by both psychedelia and free jazz, the Daktaris are more like the Kool & the Gang (circa "Jungle Boogie") of Afro-beat: their music is deeply, undeniably funky, but the concise song lengths and well-structured solos keep the players in check. This is exotic music, but it's in no way difficult; anyone who loves Mothership Connection or One Nation Under a Groove will have no trouble with the slinky rhythms of the two-part "Musicawa Slitâ" or the respectful cover of James Brown's "Give It up Turn It Loose." Those already familiar with Afro-beat might find Soul Explosion a little tame, but it's an excellent introduction to the style.

1. Musicawi Silt (3:04)
2. Musicawi Silt, Pt. 2 (2:24)
3. Quiet Man Is Deam Man (4:39)
4. Modern Technology (3:57)
5. Super Afro-Beat (3:45)
6. Give It Up Turnit Loose (3:53)
7. Eltsuhg Ibal Lasiti (5:07)
8. Daktari Walk (4:53)
9. Voodoo Soul Stew (4:27)
10. Upside Down (4:13)

Clement Apaokagi-bass
Gbenro "Mr Icee" Fakeye-clarinet, Melodica, bells
Olu "Rocksteady" Owudemi-drums
Jo Jo Quo-congas, vocals
Martin Ogbede-flute
Alaji Boniface Oluremi-lead guitar
G. G. Vikey-tenor guitar
Azouhouni Adou-keyboards
Idowu Perkins-shaker
Abou Sylla-sticks
Joe Hrbeck-alto saxophone
Femi "Dokita" Doolittle-baritone saxophone
Adrian Bako-tenor saxophone
Neal Pawley-trombone
Alaji Milificent Agbede-trompette

Produced by Gabriel Roth, Phillip Lehman & Mike Wagner
Mixed by Gabriel Roth