Even if American commercial radio did play more world music, they'd have a hard time with
Fela Kuti's albums -- which tend to be very loose and improvisatory and favor extended, jazz-influenced horn solos.
Kuti believes in finding an irresistible groove or an appealing theme, staying on it, and working it to death -- something he has in common with everyone from Hindu and Islamic singers to
James Brown and
George Clinton. It's an approach that works wonders on this set's two extended pieces: the 31-minute "O.D.O.O. (Overtake Don Overtake Overtake)" and the 29-minute "C.B.B. (Confusion Break Bones)," both of which show us how appealing repetition can be with the right theme. Funk and soul fans will appreciate
Kuti's love of the endless groove, while jazz aficionados should pay attention to the long sax solos.
Kuti has recorded many good albums over the years, and
O.D.O.O. is certainly among them. ~ Alex Henderson