Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Afrobeat Visions (2005)

Product Description
Growing up in Lagos Nigeria, Bukky was spotted practicing his first saxophone by the original Afro-beat drummer Tony Allen. He was immediately ushered into Tony's newly formed band. Bukky went on to play with the great Fela Kuti where the seeds of Afro-beat were being sown. After sometime in the band and under the influence of Tony Allen, Bukky decided to follow his own journey with his distinct style of Jazz and Afro-beat.

In 1982, Bukky's path led him to London, where he became one of the forerunners of the Acid-jazz scene. A young Giles Peterson signed him to the newly formed Acid Jazz label and his first release 'Rejoice in Righteousness' went straight to number one in the Rhythm & Blues, Dance and Jazz charts. The follow up album 'River Nile' led him to being nominated for the US African Music Awards in New York. There he became aquatinted with the legendary late tenor saxophonist 'Joe Henderson' who invited Bukky to his home in San Francisco. Bukky is still in demand as a world class Saxophonist.

The next chapter is this collaboration with Ben Mitchell who has produced such artists as Terry Callier, Mr Hermano and Dusty Springfield. They met while Ben was producing 'Rapping With The Gods' album with Russ Dewbury which featured Bukky on vocals and saxophone (on the track 'Living Am I living') - the result of this meeting is 'Afrobeat Visions'

From the Artist
Growing up in Lagos Nigeria, Bukky was spotted practising his first saxophone by the original Afro-beat drummer Tony Allen. He was immediately ushered into Tonys newly formed band. Bukky went on to play with the great Fela Kuti where the seeds of Afro-beat were being sown. After some time in the band and under the influence of Tony Allen, Bukky decided to follow his own journey with his distinct style of Jazz and Afro-beat.

Arriving in London on 1982, Bukky was spotted by a young A&R man called Giles Peterson (Radio 1) who promptly signed him to the newly formed "Acid Jazz" label. His first release ' Rejoice in Righteousness' was at the heart of the Acid Jazz world. It went straight to number one in the Rhythm and Blues, Dance and Jazz charts. The follow up album 'River Nile' led to a nomination for the US African Music Awards in New York. There he became aquatinted with the late but legendary tenor saxophonist 'Joe Henderson, who invited Bukky to his home in San Francisco.

Fast forwarding to the early 90s and we find Bukky embarking on a definitive pilgrimage to Egypt. Where he begins to lay down the intellectual and musical foundations for the formation of Black Egypt. This trip to Nile will prove to be eye opener for him.

Four years on comes the release of "Afrobeat Visions", and in that time Bukky, along with his new group "Black Egypt", have developed a unique and intriguing sound of their own. All while holding fast to an Afro-centric groove. Indeed, they have emerged as the most important Afro-beat group outside Nigeria, with Bukky still an internationally in demand saxophonist.

This new outing, produced by Ben Mitchell (Terry Callier, Mr Hermano & Dusty Springfield) and featuring legendary afro-beat drummer Tony Allen, looks set to reaffirm Bukkys place in the pantheon of great African musicians. With a US tour underway and a UK tour ready to go, Black Egypt will be bringing the groove to a club near you very soon indeed.

01. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Black Egypt (Intro) (3:31)
02. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Ake Bo Je (4:48)
03. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Don't Go Away (6:57)
04. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Times Like These (4:24)
05. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - The Vision (5:31)
06. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Why Can't We Live Together? (5:40)
07. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Dreamer (3:24)
08. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Dem Go Shout (3:49)
09. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Secular Society (4:19)
10. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - His Majesty (5:15)