Soundway steps back into Africa with thirty-three original and previously un-reissued tracks from Ghana delivering a follow on of sorts from the hugely successful CD/LP “Nigeria Special”.
“Ghana Special” represents nearly ten years of on-going research in and around the cities of Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Takoradi and Kumasi, knocking on musician’s doors and visiting ex-distributors, DJs, collectors, manufacturers and shop owners who helped piece the story together.
The roots of this project goes back to a pair of albums named “Ghana Soundz” (Volumes 1 and 2), which focussed solely on the ‘funkier’ side of the same period. Alongside new artists and groups, some other works of the many musicians and producers Cleret met whilst researching those records are also included here. Many of these tracks have remained only in people’s memories or in collections of LPs that sit unplayed: until now of course.
“Ghana Special” comes as a double CD hardback case-bound book and 5LP vinyl box set. The CD features 44 pages of history, photographs and original record scans.
Tracklisting:
CD1
01. The Mercury Dance Band – Kai Wawa
02. T. O. Jazz – Owuo Adaadaa Me
03. Christy Azuma & Uppers International – Din Ya Sugri
04. The Barbecues – Aaya Lolo
05. Asaase Ase – Ohiani Sua Efir
06. St. Peter & The Holymen – Bofoo Beye Abowa Den
07. City Boys Band – Nya Asem Hwe
08. Hedzoleh Soundz – Edinya Benya
09. The Cutlass Dance Band – HweHwe Mu Yi Mpena
10. Dr. K. Gyasi & His Noble Kings – Sei Nazo
11. Kyeremateng Atwede & The Kyeremateng Stars – I Go Die For You
12. Vis a Vis – Obi Agye Me Dofo
13. Ebo Taylor – Twer Nyame (excerpt)
14. The Big Beats – Mi Nsumõõ Bo Dõnn
15. Pa Steele’s African Brothers – Odo Mmera
16. The Ogyatanaa Show Band – You Monopolise Me
CD2
01. The African Brothers International Band – Wompe Masem
02. Gyedu-Blay Ambolley & His Creations – Akoko Ba
03. The Sweet Talks – Akampanye
04. Houghas Sorowonko – Enuanom Adofo
05. Oscar Sulley’s Nzele Soundz – Bukom
06. Bokoor Band – You Can Go
07. K. Frimpong & His Cubanos Fiestas – Kyenkyen Bi Adi M’Awu
08. Basa Basa Soundz feat. Fela Anikulapo Kuti – Dr. Solutsu
09. Pagadeja – Tamale
10. Hedzoleh Soundz – Omusus Da Fe M’musu
11. The Uhuru Dance Band – Yahyia Mu
12. Dr. K. Gyasi & His Noble Kings – Noble Kings (Yako Aba)
13. The Wellis Band – Bindiga
14. Boombaya – Boombaya
15. Sawaaba Soundz – Owuo
16. The Cutlass Dance Band – Them Go Talk Of You
17. Honny & The Bees Band – Sisi Mbon
The compilation Various “Ghana Special (Soundway Records) is going to be released November 6, 2009.
