Name: Chapter One
Brand: Blo

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

mrbcd106

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2013-09-12

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

711969127423

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Genre GB

African

Label GB

Mr Bongo

Mr Bongo is a British label that was founded in 1989. Originally located in a small record shop of the same name, it later moved to various locations in Soho and Shibuya, Japan. In 1999, the label's office was relocated to Brighton and its London & Shibuya shops were closed in 2003. However, a new shop was opened in Brighton in 2016. Since 2004, Mr Bongo has expanded into the world of cinema and also has a publishing division that produces and licenses music for third parties.
The label's rich history and diverse range of music make it an influential player in the industry. With its extensive catalog and commitment to quality, Mr Bongo continues to be at the forefront of discovering new talent and delivering exceptional music experiences.
Label Code: LC 12527

Chapter One was Blo's debut album, originally released by EMI in 1973. Blo were remarkable for a variety of reasons: they were arguably the first rock trio to emerge from Africa and its members - Berkely 'Ike' Jones on guitar, Laolu 'Akins' Akintobi on drums and Mike 'Gbenga' Odumosu on bass - had a pedigree like few others at the time having worked as part of Ginger Baker's band Salt in the years leading to their formation in 1972.Historical facts aside the album's enduring appeal and significance still resides in the music: eight tracks of infectious afro-rock that took the band's afro-beat foundations and melded them with the western psychedelia, rock and funk of the late 60s resulting in one of the finest African fusion albums. Making the most of the band's trio format, Chapter One features outstanding guitar work from Jones, fuzzy, raw and reminiscent of the western greats, backed by the funky interplay of Akintobi's drums and Odumosu's bass. Many of the album tracks are remarkable in how they balance a clearly rock inspired drive with an otherworldly, psychedelic vibe. While officially featuring only one instrumental track, the Arabic-tinged Miss Sagitt, vocals are far from the album's most prominent element, instead functioning more like an additional rhythmic element that the trio deploys in just the right amount. Despite its standing today as one of the most sought after African albums, Chapter One performed poorly on release leading the band to switch labels and focus on a funkier sound for their follow up. Thus Chapter One remains a rare, and one of the finest, slices of African psychedelic funk, fetching up to $4000 for an original copy.

Chapter One

Music GB