Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra formed in late 2007 when members of the Kidkanevil live show and First Word stalwarts Homecut began a series of late night afrobeat sessions at Leeds jazz venue Sela Bar. It was out of these jam sessions that the 8 piece band was born, combining their love of afrobeat with their appreciation of the space jazz pioneers of the 70′s and the free jazz trailblazers of the 60′s, coupled with a hefty nod towards James Brown.
The upcoming album “Ariya Astrobeat” includes nine original compositions as well as debut single “Crosstown Traffic”, a firing cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic. From the infectious horn stabs of opener “African Kings” to the hi-life influenced “Big Grammar” and the languid groove of “Same Same” this is an album of real consistency and quality.
“Fela would be proud!” DJ Food (Ninja Tune)
“Hell yeah … a full on afrobeat assault. Supa hot!” Mad Mats (Raw Fusion / GAMM)
Tracklisting:
01. African Kings
02. Put Leg To Road
03. Sankofa
04. Re Education Mis Education
05. Big Grammar
06. Body No Be
07. Conflict Arise
08. Crosstown Traffic
09. Lost In Kinshasa
10. Same Same
The album Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra “Ariya Astrobeat” (First Word Records) is going to be released November 26, 2010.
