In the beginning there was rhythm and that rhythm began in the Motherland. Unless you’re waxing nostalgic to a Martian, that means Africa. And you pretty much can’t say “Hey” about African music without mentioning Fela Kuti. As part of Kuti’s Africa 70 ensemble, percussionist Tony Allen made Afrobeat a worldwide phenomenon. Kuti and Allen toured together for years, so a great set was to be expected.

Tony Allen and Jimi Tenor, on the other hand, had never met prior to holing up in a studio in Berlin for a week with Tenor’s band Kabu Kabu, German MC Allonymous and some retro and homemade gear. Allen, who previously worked with Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker and Charlotte Gainsburg, allegedly had never even heard of the enigmatic Norwegian musician, filmmaker and artist.

Which is not to say that Tenor is not a worthy partner. Long a staple on the Warp roster, Tenor’s a celebrated purveyor of wry techno-pop. He’s also made no secret of his love for experimental jazz, African rhythms, Prince, Barry White and George Clinton.

That any of this album works without coming off like an ersatz boutique soundtrack is a credit to both Tenor and Allen’s legendary skills ‘ and perhaps the lack of familiarity between them. Psychedelic, polyrhythmic jams like “Selfish Gene”, “Darker Side of Night.” “Mama England” and the epic13-minute “Three Continents” unfold like discovery conversations between excited musicians. Allen’s drumming speaks a bit louder than Tenor’s harmonics at times, but it’s still a fascinating eavesdrop.

You’ve got your compilations, your remixes, your re-issues, your collaborations ‘ and then you’ve got Strut’s Inspiration Information series pairing game-changers like Amp Fiddler with Sly & Robbie and Horace Andy with Ashley Beedle. Together, Tenor and Allen make the fourth installment one of the funkiest and possibly the best yet.

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