Palaver

Album review

Recorded in 1980 by Ghanaian Ebo Taylor and his stage band, Palaver was an album that somehow never actually left the shelves of the Nigerian label Tabansi Records for whom it was recorded. The dust-coated tapes were rediscovered almost forty years later by the English label BBE Records, who reached an agreement to buy back part of Tabansi’s collection. Meanwhile, guitarist, singer and producer Ebo Taylor, considered to be the man who reconciled his country’s highlife music with the afrobeat from neighbouring country Nigeria, has become a legend in the world of African music. The discovery of this lost album is a historical moment as we can see the characteristics that helped shape his style, although it is clear that he is more compelling in his role as an entertainer than as a political activist. His song Help Africa, whose theme, beat and brass arrangements have resulted in an inevitable comparison with Fela Kuti, do not work in his favour. As for the rest, Palaver boasts a whole host of guitar runs, jumping rhythms, joyous brass and smooth melodies. It is hard to resist this album’s slightly outdated charm which does its utmost to put a smile on our faces and awaken the dancer in all of us. © Benjamin MiNiMuM/Qobuz