Remain in Light

When the Talking Heads released their fourth studio album in 1980, Remain in Light, many fans were puzzled by the new influences to their sound. Critics did not know how to categorize this rise in rhythmic patterns, and an increase in subtle straight-ahead guitar riffs, with punchier vocals. As the album settled in, critics stated that the Talking Heads had begun to play "world music". This nebulous title that has been thrown around for decades, "world music," is both nondescript and inaccurate. Tower Records (RIP) once had an entire section of their store devoted to this "genre". However, in retrospect, much of what was originally deemed "world music" is being appropriately re-categorized and appreciated. An incredibly large portion of the music previously labeled as "world," is in fact Afrobeat - a wonderful mix of African highlife, jazz, funk, and spanish influences. When critics incorrectly labeled Remain in Light as a "world music" album, they were in fact unknowingly noticing that Brian Eno, the Producer of the album, had gifted Fela Kuti's 1973 album Afrodisiac to David Byrne, the Talking heads' frontman, during the recording of the album. This Afrobeat record quickly became the main source of inspiration for Remain in Light, deeply affecting Byrne's songwriting.

Here is a great track off of Remain in Light, called "Born Under Punches". It's amazing to see so many Afrobeat elements shine through, and mix with the Talking Heads' unmistakably 80's sound.

Here is a video of them playing it live during the year of its release



Fela Kuti has long been an inspiration to wildly popular and talented members of the music industry, and although these influences have never been fully recognized or appreciated, it's better late than never.

-NK

GREAT SHOW LAST NIGHT!

a heartfelt THANK YOU to ALLL the people who came out to sullivan hall last night, man it was a blast for us to see everybody have so much fun. our music is about being in the moment, forgetting the nonsense of everyday life, and freeing yourself to dance to our grooves. we are doing this for you!

and, a warning: we will be returning to Tutuma Social Club on March 1st... stay tuned for more information.

here are some helpful links:
EMEFE myspace: myspace.com/emefemusic
EMEFE bandcamp (where you can download our music): emefe.bandcamp.com

thank you again! keep up the support.
miles, billy, jas, james, doug, javier, nick, jj, deen, davy, and christian

EMEFE LIVE THIS SATURDAY!!

we're playing this saturday february 6th at greenwich village's great spot SULLIVAN HALL.
doors at 8:30pm!
we'll be playing our danciest grooves for you, including fela kuti and antibalas tunes.
plus it's bob marley's birthday so come celebrate! there are reggae/soul bands before and after us.
come party on this wonderful saturday night boys and girls!

Last night's show: Chico Mann at Joe's Pub

Last night Mr. Aukstik and I went out to Joe's Pub to see Chico Mann - the electro-funky brainchild of Marcos Garcia, guitarist of Antibalas. I have always been a fan of Marcos because of his crisp guitar work and his distinct voice on recent Antibalas tunes "War Hero" and "Hilo". We walked into the cool dark acoustically-awesome room of Joe's Pub and our feet started moving right away. Marcos Garcia was behind what looked like an old school keyboard/synth and a few effects pedals lined up, with a microphone there too, of course. He was joined by two other musicians, one behind a computer/mixing board/synth (I think...), supplying the bed effects and parts with uncontrollable style and passion, the other playing bongoes, a cymbal, and a drum pad so deep in the pocket that it was hard to believe he was playing live. They were blasting through infectious grooves that were crafted for the dance floor, for venues like this. The flow was so good - and when Marcos would come out to sing, the music would elevate. The vocal parts and lines were so on point for the music they were making. When the set ended, we wanted more Chico Mann, to say the least. We had just gotten started. I could have listened to those grooves - the high keys lines played by Marcos layered on the Fela Kuti-esque guitar parts layered on the synth melodic bed layered on the crisp bongos layered on the simple drum machine pattern - for hours longer. Long story short, and I think I can speak for Billy when I say this: SEE/LISTEN TO CHICO MANN!!

-miles

ps. go to ChicoMann.com for more.

FELA! The Musical

This is an order from Miles to see FELA! THE MUSICAL, now on Broadway.
Put simply, the show is so uplifting. The music is great, supplied from members of Antibalas, lead by Aaron Johnson. From the moment you walk in to the theater, the band is already going with infectious afrobeat Fela and Antibalas grooves. I couldn't help stomp my feet on my way to my seats. I was having a good time before the show even started!

And the show itself was great. Very entertaining, funny and theatrical but not over-done. If you don't know who Fela Kuti was (and you are wondering why all these people are talking about him), this is a great way to learn the basics about his life. He was an amazingly influential character, and though his name has seriously come into the media, more people need to know about him: his life, his music, his legacy. Anybody in any line of work can learn from him.

To learn more, go to www.felaonbroadway.com. Take one night out of your busy lives to free your mind and experience the spirit of Fela!

m

Check out afro-funky show thursday night (1/21)

There's a party goin on thursday night at Cameo in Brooklyn courtesy of Zongo Junction, an ill young afrobeat band with friends from NYU and New School. Also playing is the constantly fresh Ikebe Shakedown... so check it out, there will definitely be members of EMEFE there!

It is important to support afrobeat in any way possible - it is the most uplifting music out there today and any effort to keep it up should be supported and recognized... and danced to!!

EMEFE's thoughts on JUSTICE

Justice.....not too much can be said to categorize this duo of musical geniuses. Not only have they single-handedly been able to reinvent electro/dance music in less than 6 years, but also have managed to tour the globe and pick up 4 GRAMMY Nominations, 3 MTV Europe Music Awards, and 1 MTV Video Music Award along the way. Being an avid listener of Justice, I pride myself in knowing that each remix of theirs not only serves "justice" to the original tune, but absolutely blows the original out of the water, making the final product a hit every time. Being a trumpet player who enjoys jazz, hip hop, and big band swing music, one would not normally think that I would be attracted to a group like Justice, and I could imagine why. But the reason that I love Justice so much is the exact same reason that I enjoy jazz, hip hop, and swing ----- because it GROOVES! Who could not like music that just makes you want to jump out of your seat and move your body! Justice's music is legendary in that manner--when one puts on a song, say their hit, "DVNO", something is triggered in the mind that causes immediate movement in the lower quarters which slowly but surely creeps into the upper ligaments and creates an all out dancing freak. Having just recently purchased tickets to see Justice LIVE in NYC in February, you can imagine why my body is already feeling the urge to move. I am preparing myself for one of the most epic shows ever, and I will try very hard to remain relatively calm throughout it.

So kids, if you have not heard any of Justice's tracks, go out and educate yourself! Their album "Cross" is on sale everywhere and they are planning to release a brand spankin new CD early this year.

PEACE

-B.A.