Description
StrutからLafayette Afro Rock Bandの幻のファンク/アフロ・アルバム『Malik』が初の公式リマスター再発。1974年にリリースされたこの作品は、1971年にアメリカからフランスへ移住した7人組のBobby Boyd Congressが、Parisで名をIceに変え、プロデューサーPierre Jaubertと出会い誕生。アフリカ系の音楽要素を取り入れたインストゥルメンタル主導のサウンドが特徴だ。『Malik』には「Conga」「Darkest Light」などの名曲が収録され、特に「Darkest Light」のホーンラインはJay-ZやPublic Enemyがサンプリングした重要なヒップホップ・モチーフとなっている。このリマスター盤はオリジナルテープから丁寧に制作され、黒ビニールのLPで再発。
A1. Djungi
A2. Raff
A3. Conga
A4. Avi-Vo
B1. Malik
B2. Darkest Light
B3. Baba Hya
Strut proudly presents the official remastered reissue of Lafayette Afro Rock Band's elusive funk/Afro original album, 'Malik,' originally released in 1974, pressed on black vinyl LP.
In 1971, an undocumented seven-member Afro-American ensemble known as the Bobby Boyd Congress made a transformative journey from the United States to France. Bandleader Frank Abel recollects, "We sensed that the soul and funk market was saturated back home, and our original plan was a brief 6-month stint in Paris. Surprisingly, we ended up staying for a decade." Upon lead singer Bobby Boyd's return to the U.S., the group rebranded as Ice and crossed paths with independent producer Pierre Jaubert, a seasoned studio professional with credits on groundbreaking recordings alongside Charles Mingus, John Lee Hooker, and Archie Shepp, among others.
Drawing inspiration from Motown's work ethic, Jaubert initiated regular rehearsals with Ice. He recalled, "I didn't want to mimic Berry, but with seven talented musicians collaborating daily, something unique emerged." The band, residing in Paris and immersed in the African-dominated Barbesse district, began infusing African elements into their music frequently performing with Paris-dwelling Camaroonian and legendary composer Manu Dibango.
Under the new moniker Lafayette Afro Rock Band, the group's music transitioned to predominantly instrumental compositions, featuring a denser Afro-funk sound. Their inaugural recording with the new name, 'Soul Makossa,' included a compelling rendition of Dibango's classic and the impactful break in 'Hihache.' The subsequent release a year later, 'Malik,' refined their sound with the percussive Afro party jam 'Conga,' the atmospheric vocoder and piano-led piece 'Djungi,' and the robust funk of 'Darkest Light.' Despite a limited impact upon its initial release, 'Malik' found appreciation as hip-hop culture flourished in the '80s, establishing itself as a rich source of samples and riffs. 'Conga' was featured in the 'Ultimate Breaks And Beats' series, while the opening horn line from 'Darkest Light' became a pivotal hip-hop motif, employed by Jay-Z, Public Enemy, Wreckx 'N' Effect, and many others.
This remastered reissue, the first of its kind, meticulously crafted by The Carvery from the original tapes, showcases the album in its entirety and includes the full original artwork. Pressed on black vinyl LP.
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