Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Osibisa
Release: 2009
Running time: 60:51
Rating: 4.5/5
Osibisa, the legendary Ghanaian champions of afrobeat jazz rock fusion, are back after a long studio absence with a great new album whose title, in English, is “Fourth Generation”, or in Slovenian, Četrta generacija. Multi-instrumentalist Teddy Osei, the band’s founder and longtime chief, didn’t pick the title by accident: he’s gathered a younger generation of musicians around him, most of them stepping up for the first time as members of this cult African musical institution, which has been thrilling fans of jazz ethno fusion for more than forty years.
Alongside some new names, longtime rhythm guitarist/vocalist Gregg Kofi Brown is back too, having earned his keep in the band for 22 years now. Most of the solos were played by the cult guitarist Alfred Kari Bannerman, another longtime collaborator. “Osee Yee” is also the last album for original wind player Mac Tontoh, who sadly is no longer with us, having left this world for good in 2010.
Most of the album is built on lively, layered African-Caribbean rhythms, horns and equally rich ‘shamanic’ vocal harmonies, which create an unforgettable vibe, a proper journey across the vast expanses of the savanna and through thick jungles. Tracks like the opening instrumental “Osuno”, “Watusi” and “Ayioko” are a wonderful blend of traditional African music, funk and jazz fusion.
Fans of pop rock classics will get the most out of the funk-grooved “Lifetime” and the excellent cover of an evergreen standard by the ‘quiet’ Beatle George Harrison, “My Sweet Lord”. The title track deserves a special mention too, with wind instruments like the flute and trumpet really getting their moment. Someone described Osibisa’s style as ‘happy music’ many years ago, and that’s not far from the truth, because “Osee Yee” proves that a playful, upbeat, almost festive atmosphere still reigns in their music today.
Across the whole album, Osibisa convincingly and with a modern approach continue in the direction that brought them cult status and, in the mid-seventies, made it possible to popularize traditional African-Caribbean music in the West. Modern production aside, anyone who hasn’t followed the band since the early seventies could easily think this was actually a forgotten album from that era. And that’s exactly what most of their followers wanted most: classic Osibisa, but in a refreshing, modern way.
Bands with more than 40 years under their belts that still surprise with albums on par with their best work could be counted on the fingers of both hands. With “Osee Yee”, which can rightfully be called their best work since “Heads” (1972), Osibisa have proven beyond a doubt that they belong in that club. And that’s despite the sad fact that many of those who followed the triumphant march of the jazz fusion and prog rock scene in the early seventies don’t even know they’re still active.
Lineup
Teddy Osei – saxophone, flute, African drums, vocals
Mac Tontoh – horn
Colin Graham – trumpet
Alfred Kari Bannerman – guitar
Emmanuel Rentzos – organ, vocals
Kwame Yeboah – acoustic guitar, keyboards, drums, vocals
Gregg Kofi Brown – vocals
Kofi Ayivor – congas
Alex Kwaku-Boateng (KB) – drums
Jose Joyette – drums
Emmanuel Afram – bass guitar
Nana Yaa – vocals
Idris Rokhman – tenor saxophone
Production
Teddy Osei
Tracklist
1. Osuno (1:26)
2. Watusi (6:03)
3. Ayioko(3:50)
4. Life Time (6:45)
5. Osee Yee (4:32)
6. Yen Ara Ghana (4:07)
7. Higher And Higher (5:04)
8. It’s Okay (4:41)
9. My Sweet Lord (4:36)
10. Boyengya (4:00)
11. One Life (4:56)
12. Mystical (4:49)
13. Too Much Going On (3:55)
14. Saworowa (2:49)
