Ibibio Sound Machine (Soundway, 2014)
London-based group Ibibio Sound Machine released its self-titled debut album Ibibio Sound Machine this month. Their multifaceted sound is a mix of West African highlife, retro disco, pop, psychedelia and soul featuring captivating guitar work, vibrant horns and vintage synthesizer sounds.
Ibibio Sound Machine’s vocalist is British-Nigerian artist Eno Williams. Her songs are inspired by traditional stories, narrated to Eno by her family as a child in her mother’s Ibibio language from southeastern Nigeria.
The group’s effervescent Afro-Soul sound was concocted by producers Max Grunhard, Leon Brichard and Benji Bouton. They laid out all the bass and drum tracks of the album and later added Ghanaian guitar virtuoso Alfred ‘Kari’ Bannerman (from Konkoma) and several other musicians.
The album lineup includes Eno Williams on vocals, Alfred Bannerman on guitar, Anselmo Netto on percussion, Leon Brichard on bass and synthesizer, Benji Bouton on drums and keyboards, Max Grunhard on alto sax, Tony Hayden on trombone and synthesizer, Scott Baylis on trumpet and Ben Hadwen on baritone saxophone.
Ibibio Sound Machine will be presenting the debut album in France, the UK and Switzerland:
April 4, 2014, Le Bataclan in Paris, France
April 5, 2014, Radiomeuh Festival in La Clusaz, France
April 11, 2014, The Forge in London, UK
May 17, 2014, Brighton Dome Corn Exchange in Brighton, UK
July 07, 2014, Jazz Parade in Fribourg, Switzerland
Buy Ibibio Sound Machine in North America
By Ibibio Sound Machine in Europe
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
