Press Release :
This is one of the jazziest bits of Afrobeat you are likely to hear in a long time - thanks to some excellent work on piano and keyboards by group leader and founder Funsho Ogundipe! Funsho's not content to just copy some Fela Kuti -inspired groove - the music also has a much deeper range of tones and inflections throughout - soaring with jazzy colors that really illuminate the whole record wonderfully - Funsho plays acoustic piano and both Fender and Wurlitzer electric piano here - and other instrumentation includes saxes, guitar, and plenty of heavy percussion - mostly instrumental throughout, but with vocals on three tracks. A groundbreaking album from one of Nigeria's most influential Jazz influenced musicians.

Biography :
Formed in 1996 by Funsho Ogundipe, Yoruba Composer and who is steadly developing a reputation in his Native Nigeria as an innovative Songwriter and Producer/musicians. His Style forged in unmistaken Afro beat alludes to a joyous eclecticism borne from years spent listening to healthy doses of Jazz, Funk, Reggae, Blues and other Afro American music forms alongside the Afro Beat of his country. Miles Davis, Prince, Fela Kuti, Gilberto Gil, Mos Def, Tom Jobin and Duke Ellington and his musical references.A trained lawyer and stockbroker funsho is at the vanguard of the jazz influenced African players. he remembers fondly the years spent hanging out in lagos and sitting in with famed composer fela kuti in probably the last phase of felas music Career and soaking up the music. he is bilingual having a respectable command of french in addition to english and Yoruba his native language. Fusho plays piano and surrounds himself whit a cast of top African talent based at home on the continent. Lagos, itself a melting pot of African nationalities provides Cameroonian Bassist DiedumFalna Wanamou whose reputation is awesome and who has lived and played in Five African Countries. Oscar Ellimbi another Cameroonian is the Guitarist while Samson Olawale is the master Percussionist whose knowledge of Secular and Traditional Yoruba Rhythms complements the leaders arrangements. For this band the groove is king. To date there have been two releases. A 1996 CD Titled Naija Blues which found it's way into the hands of World Music Collectors and a 1998 Cassette release titled something Dey for the African Market. Future plans include a European tour (2001) and 7-inch single released by December Y2K Watch out for this band.

The Crew :
Funsho Ogundipe - Electric and Acoustic pianos
Shabaka hutchings - Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone
Rob lavers - Barritone Sax and Flute
Ayo Odia - Tenor Saxophone
Robert Fordjour - Drums
Pharaoh Russell - Drums
Jenny Adejayan - Cello
Nick Cohen - Electric Bass
Oroh Angiama - Electric Bass
Karl rasheed Abel - Acoustic and Electric Fretless Bass
Angela al hucima - Percussions