African Rhythms 1970-1982

Oneness of Juju, led by James ‘Plunky’ Branch, were one of the first US bands to incorporate elements of African music into jazz, soul and funk; their 1970 debut album featuring exiled South African jazzman Ndikho Xaba. This compilation covers the band’s journey from their more experimental work through to more dance-floor friendly efforts a decade later; 1982 single ‘Every Way but Loose’ got into the US Top 50 R&B chart and helped define Washington DC’s go-go music. With trumpeter Branch always at the helm, Juju changed their name several times but never lost their essence – ‘African rhythms keep us together’ they chant and these recordings are made by black Americans with a huge sense of pride in Africa.

Listening for the first time in 2020 to this release, with its extensive sleeve notes by Chris Menist, gives a clear picture of how the confrontational post-Civil Rights politics of the late 60s shaped a challenging, Afro-centric jazz fusion scene, one that by the time of Ronald Reagan’s presidency, had eschewed the politics and experimentation, aiming more to entertain. In 2020, will black American music again look to Africa for inspiration? Plenty of food for thought on this expansive, sometimes indulgent, often engaging double CD.