Name: African Rhythms 1970-1982
Brand: Oneness Of Juju

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

CD-STRUT-233

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "CD-STRUT-233"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

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 US

Limited edition

Release date

2020-07-17

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Redeye

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

4062548010404

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "4062548010404"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Total Cap

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

Artist

Oneness Of Juju

Genre US

Jazz

Label US

Strut

Plunky & Oneness of Juju is a rhythm & blues-African-jazz-funk band hailing from Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A. Founded in San Francisco in 1971 by J. Plunky Branch, the group has undergone various changes in personnel and names over its impressive 30-year career. Originally known as Juju, they later became Oneness of Juju (1975-81), then Plunky & Oneness of Juju (1982-88), and most recently Plunky & Oneness (1988 - present). With their unique blend of genres, this talented ensemble continues to captivate audiences with their infectious rhythms and soulful melodies.

Inspired by a diverse range of musical influences, *Oneness Of Juju* has carved out their own distinctive sound that sets them apart from other artists. Drawing inspiration from acts such as Lafayette Afro Rock Band, Leon Thomas, Weldon Irvine, and Gary Bartz among others; *Oneness Of Juju* infuses elements of African music with jazz, funk, and R&B to create an electrifying fusion that transcends boundaries.

With an extensive discography spanning several decades and a reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances,*Oneness Of Juju* remains at the forefront of the music scene. Led by the visionary talent of J. Plunky Branch,*Oneness Of Juju* continues to push creative boundaries while staying true to their roots.

‘African Rhythms 1970-1982’ is a comprehensive 2CD / 3LP compilation of Oneness Of Juju, led by Plunky J. Branch.

Tracing their career from the band’s earliest work in 1970 with South African exiled jazzman Ndikho Xaba in San Francisco, the compilation covers the band’s journey to New York’s loft jazz scene, forming Juju and releasing two landmark albums of hard-hitting percussive jazz on Strata-East. “I saw myself as a cultural warrior,” explains Plunky. “We studied about Africa and tried to infuse our music with an African spirit.” Moving back to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia during the mid-‘70s, Plunky drew in a superb new group of musicians and vocalists and created the band’s new incarnation, Oneness Of Juju, retaining the African influence but fusing his sound with funk and R’n’B on the classic ‘African Rhythms’ album. “We realised that, if we put a backbeat to the Afro-Cuban rhythms, people in Richmond and Washington D.C. could be drawn into it; it didn’t change anything about our message.” The change would lead to a series of enduring soul-jazz classics on Jimmy Gray’s Black Fire label, including ‘River Luv Rite’, ‘Plastic’ and ‘Don’t Give Up’ and their biggest crossover international hit, ‘Every Way But Loose’ in 1982, later famously remixed by Larry Levan. The band received renewed interest in their music during the mid-‘80s as Washington D.C.’s go-go innovators cited the band as a major influence and rare groove DJs revived their albums for London dancefloors.

‘African Rhythms 1970-1982’ reprises a compilation released on Strut in 2001 and is newly remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Both formats feature a 12” sized 4pp booklet featuring rare photos and a comprehensive interview with Plunky Branch within liner notes by Chris Menist.

African Rhythms 1970-1982

Music US