November 16, 2010

Hardcore apala

Continuing the series of posts featuring the legacy of the late king of apala music, Alhadji Haruna Ishola, I have dug up a rare example of apala in its rawest form. This lp was recorded in the early 1970s, and not released on his own Star label, but by Phonodisk. Nevertheless* the sound is exceptional.

The first side starts with a rhythm resembling and with the regularity of the ticking of a clock. This not only sets off the 'smoothness' of the interplay between chorus and lead vocalist (the master himself), but also acts as a balance for the almost impetuous talking drum. There is some extensive messaging going on with that talking drum!
After 10'53 the song stops and, seamlessly, a second track commences. This is - in my opinion - the most remarkable track of a very singular album. In the minute before the talking drum resumes its subliminal chat session there is a sense of expectancy, of emptiness, which never ceases to surprise me, - even after having heard the lp uncountable times.

The B-side continues in the same vein, with the same minimalistic arrangment (compared to Haruna Ishola's recordings released on the Star label), but this time with a more jumpy rhythm. My wife - who in this time of the year can not resist going outside to sweep up the leaves (I watch her from behind the window) - commented that the percussion was just like her sweeping. I was tempted to reply that this sweeping is more effective, but was wise enough to keep my mouth shut...

Phonodisk PHA 24

*The studio he and I.K. Dairo started for their Star label was the first 24-track studio in Africa.

8 comments:

Kostas from Greece said...

Many,many thanks for this LP...No artwork?
Thank you again...very,very much!!!

WrldServ said...

@Kostas: This is a (well-preserved - don't you agree?) cassette copy of an lp. The copy was made well before the modern age of scanners, digital cameras and such. So no artwork, unfortunately....

gracenotes said...

Absolutely wonderful. I can't get enough of this magnificent artist. Thanks so much, as ever. Without your blog, I'm sure we'd never get the chance to hear such treasures.

Do you know Ishola's 10-inch LP on Decca? Even more hardcore!

Steve Pile said...

Can't wait. This blog is my introduction to Ishola, and I've been addicted ever since. Thanks so much!

Kostas from Greece said...

No matter,it's o.k...
Thank you again very much...

Anonymous said...

This is the best blog in the whole bloggy universe and you are the cleverest blogger who ever blogged a path down ol' bloggy way.
Bravo!
a thousand times!
Bravo!
and thanks too!

Jeff

Anonymous said...

thank you!!! i've pretty much doubled/ tripled/ quadrupled/ quintupled/ sextupled/ septupled my collection thanks to YOU!!!

=D

you might enjoy this track with beautiful interplay between a ride cymbal & a shekere, all while an excellent apala cantor & chorus roll ever onward with that delicious Yoruba restraint & palpable emotive tension...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqi6WliqKgo

Anonymous said...

why yes sir, thank you x 1000, for the introduction to Mr Ishola, as well as Super Djata Band, and Molobali Keita, life wouldn't have been as good without hearing their music, good luck to you over yonder and take care...