Afro Rock Vol. 1 is one of the most important compilations of heavy original ‘70s Afro-funk and soul to be released in recent years. Originally released on record-collecting obsessive Duncan Brooker’s Kona label in 2001, the album was among the first to kick-start the thirst among jazz, funk, soul fans and “diggers” to rediscover lost music from Africa made during the ‘60s and ‘70s during a time when many countries were gaining independence and celebrating a Pan-African identity within their music. The album was one of the first to reach a far different audience to the traditional world music market and spawned many further projects and labels in its wake. Out of print since 2002, the album is being reissued on Strut in its original form with a bonus track: an unreleased psychedelic cut by Kenya’s Ishmael Jingo. It’s in poor quality though, and not necessarily a “bonus.” The album has remained influential since its release with tracks appearing on other Afro compilations and on TV and film.

The compilation opens up with Jingo’s “Fever,” a great hypnotizing groover featured in Kevin McDonald’s 2006 hit film, “Last King Of Scotland.” “Heavy Heavy Heavy” by  Geraldo Pino (the “Nigerian James Brown”) is another highlight with a deep funk beat a la The Meters. “Mabala” by The Yahoos is a funky sax track with psychedelic space sound effects and a mysterious female voice echoing in the background. The title of this compilation should be Afro Funk Vol.1, since there isn’t much rock to spot between all that funk and R&B. It’s a heavy and flawless collection of songs, and now you have a chance to get you hands on it of you missed it the first time around. Let’s do the fever!

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