Home > Album Review > BLO “Step Three” | Hot Casa Records

BLO “Step Three” | Hot Casa Records

October 12, 2012 Leave a comment Go to comments

Nigeria has been a hot spot for music greatness in the record industry for years now, ushering in a wave of artists who of course saw an apex in the work of Fela Kuti. BLO was the type of musician who was everywhere and knew everyone and his works are slowly pouring out for all the crate diggers and fans if the Lagos scene to enjoy. This is some funky, polished sounds from the Lagos tradition where politics, socialism and positive vibes are all wrapped into one nice result. This record came out earlier this year from the label Hot Casa Records. Originally released in 1975 exclusively in the major region of Nigeria, the album includes trumpet, organ, guitar, saxophone, drums, percussion and the moog synthesizer. With both western and eastern influences riding together seamlessly, this is one of those type of albums that has fetched a hefty ticket price in years on eBay for those looking to collect anything and everything from the Afro-beat movement. Check out what the label had to say about this unearthed rare gem below.

-Erik Otis


+++

From Hot Casa Records | http://hotcasarecords.com/

Hot Casa Records is proud to present this holy grail of Afro Funk and rare gem from the 70s Lagos music scene. Reissued for the first time outside Nigeria and available on gatefold vinyl, CD and Digital, including interview and photos of the original band members.

The 3 core BLO band’s members were “B” for Berkely ” Ike ” Jones on guitar, “L” for Laolu ” Akins” Akintobi on drums, and “O” for Mike “Gbenga” Odumosu on bass. BLO was formed just as a trio late 1972 and split up in 1982. They developed their music on tour before they recorded their first album, “Chapter one ” in 1973 on EMI Records. They built something unique, original and different than any other young African group at this time, melting together Rock with its African roots and transmuting it into Soul-Fusion. They left an indelible impression on the Nigerian music scene and became an institution for worldwide music lovers.

From the “Clusters”, to “Afrocollection” alongside with the Lijadus Sisters, they’d been involved in many various acts. They also toured with Ginger Baker, the famous English drummer of both power trio “Cream” and “Salt”, whose influence has been considered by Laolu Akins as “another major player in the development of Blo”.

After their much inspiring worldwide tour with Salt, leading them from Munich Olympic jazz Festival to USA, BLO decided to work on their own concept album with the main ingredients: Afro, Rock and Dance!

Just before their Disco period, we have a real & beautiful definition of AFRO SOUL MUSIC, with this incredible “STEP 3″!

About these ads
Categories: Album Review Tags: , , , , , , , ,
  1. No comments yet.
  1. No trackbacks yet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 1,879 other followers

%d bloggers like this: