Soothsayers’ Classic first album ‘LOST CITY’ is going to be released for the first time on vinyl (release date 20th Oct)
LOST CITY – SOOTHSAYERS
Twelve years ago, Soothsayers burst onto the scene with their seminal debut CD, ‘Lost City’, a fantastic blend of jazz, afro-beat and reggae. The album instantly became a firm favourite of fans and critics alike, and paved the way for a whole catalogue of further successful releases. Now Red Earth Records are releasing ‘Lost City’ for the first time on beautiful 12” vinyl.
The album has heavy afro jazz groove, with a nod to the dub and reggae production style that would later become a central element of Soothsayers’ sound. Uplifting melodies and wonderful horn interplay between band leaders Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft still have a sparkling freshness, and the impressive list of guest musicians on the album such as vibes player Rojer Beaujolais, South African guitarist Luck Ranku and Hugh Masakela’s pecussionist, Frances Fuster add an overall elegance combined with deep soul. Most of the tracks are Soothsayers originals but there are also versions of Abdullah Ibrahim’s ‘Ishmael’ and ‘Blazing Horns’ by Jamaican horn players Tommy Mckook and Bobby Ellis. There are two vocals tracks on the album featuring the UK – based Nigerian elder statesman of Afrobeat, Adesose Wallace – ‘Follow Your Path’ is a heavy and sweet Fela-style groove with fat horn section and ‘Orin Ojishe’ is reflective and spiritual call to the ancestors. The album flows seamlessly through afrobeat, township jazz, reggae and dub in a way that brings the relationships between these different musical styles to the fore.
The album has heavy afro jazz groove, with a nod to the dub and reggae production style that would later become a central element of Soothsayers’ sound. Uplifting melodies and wonderful horn interplay between band leaders Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft still have a sparkling freshness, and the impressive list of guest musicians on the album such as vibes player Rojer Beaujolais, South African guitarist Luck Ranku and Hugh Masakela’s pecussionist, Frances Fuster add an overall elegance combined with deep soul. Most of the tracks are Soothsayers originals but there are also versions of Abdullah Ibrahim’s ‘Ishmael’ and ‘Blazing Horns’ by Jamaican horn players Tommy Mckook and Bobby Ellis. There are two vocals tracks on the album featuring the UK – based Nigerian elder statesman of Afrobeat, Adesose Wallace – ‘Follow Your Path’ is a heavy and sweet Fela-style groove with fat horn section and ‘Orin Ojishe’ is reflective and spiritual call to the ancestors. The album flows seamlessly through afrobeat, township jazz, reggae and dub in a way that brings the relationships between these different musical styles to the fore.
“Rarely have I been so impressed by a British debut as this, so totally seduced and utterly smiiten by it’s innumerable qualities”
Will Cay, Jazz Review
Will Cay, Jazz Review
“A joyful funky set mixing township jazz, dub reggae, jazz-funk”
John Bungey, The Times
John Bungey, The Times
“Strong performances all round”
Sholto Byrnes, The Independent
Sholto Byrnes, The Independent
“A Dance-floor ready combination of cascading horn riffs, punchy improvisation, interlocking guitar lines and infectious rhythms”
Jazzwise Magazine, Jazzwise
Jazzwise Magazine, Jazzwise
“An impressive mosaic of township jazz, dub and funky fusion”
Kevin Le Gendre, Echoes
Kevin Le Gendre, Echoes
