Uhuru Dance Band - Betu Me O Awow (Hilghlife from Ghana, 1970)

(Decca 258.112).

Highlife knew his golden era during the 50s and 60s in Ghana, but this late 1970 "special hi-life numbers" just sounds like in the old good time, when president Kwame Nkrumah used to promote it as a symbol of modern (pan)african expression.

Ahmadou Kourouma - Les Soleils des Independances (1970)

A special post for this record, taking part of a valuable RFI collection focussed on black literature. Ivorian writer Ahmadou Kourouma (+2003) explains his approach and background, particularly on one of his most famous novel published in 1968: The Suns of Independences, which corresponds to this confused post-colonial period where many changes took place but also many disillusions appeared.

Orhan Gencebay - Severek Ayrılalım (Turkish break, 70s)

(Istambul Plak Ars 9187).

Orhan Gencebay is a turkish musician, composer, actor, initilally formed through classical turkish music (playing bağlama and tambur, 2 traditionnal string instruments, and then playing saxophone). He showed early interest (from the 60s) for jazz, rock and fusion with foreign music, hence influencing a lot of turkish musicians along the 70s, which led to surname him "Orhan Baba" (Father Orhan).

Waltel Branco - Assim Na Terra Como No Céu (OST from Brazil, 1970)

(FERMATA FB-298).

Waltel Branco had a long career as conducter, composer, player, arranger. In the early 50s he had opportunity to play jazz in Cuba (with Mongo Santamaria, Chico O'Farrill), then in  the US and Europe. He's a cornerstone in brazilian music, mixing it with latin and jazz for him or  famous artists (Tim Maia, Astor Piazzolla, Tom Jobim, Flora Purim...).  He realized many movie soundtracks, summing more than 5000 compositions.

Ray Stephen Oche and his Matumbo - Interpretation of the Original Rythm (Afrojazz from Nigeria, 1970)

(ESP 155 501).

His African Name Owoicho Oche means: "God is the King".

A Date with Lee Morgan at Both/And Club (Hard bop, 1970)

(Trip Jazz TLP-5037).

A Lee Morgan (1938-1972) live session from 1970 on this uncommon LP. It was recorded just few months after the famous "Live at the Lighthouse" session, with the same musicians.