Ghana Special: Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds & Ghanaian Blues 1968-81

At a time when so much music is being reissued and repackaged, it is heartening that there are still labels genuinely interested in presenting something to the public that they have never heard before. Less a completist or chronological overview, this follow–up to last year’s Nigeria Special draws its selection from when Ghana was in post–independence economic decline. It’s a varied palette of styles spanning just over a decade.

What marks the music out are the sparse rhythmic selections, and bluesy arrangements that draw on elements of genres such as highlife, funk or palm–wine, but navigate the paths between styles to create something unique. Names that will be familiar to aficionados, such as Dr K Gyasi or The Sweet Talks, are present, albeit turning in pieces of music they wouldn’t readily be associated with. The former’s ‘Noble Kings’ shuffles over a broken rhythm with nimble interplay between the organ and wah–wah guitar, before reaching a crescendo with blocks of brass stabs – a departure from his sweeter sikyi style.

Lesser–knowns such as City Boys Band bounce over a tight, three–note bass motif, whilst the effortless vocals of JA Odofo float over the top. Christy Azuma & Uppers International’s ‘Din Ya Sugri, in 7/8 time, draws on Afro–funk and Eastern stylings that testify to the varied backgrounds of the band members. Beautifully packaged and researched, Soundway have gone the extra mile with this latest release, presenting a considered snapshot from an era that avoids musical classification.