Messiaen and Fela Kuti

Posted by: David Hobbs-Mallyon on 07 September 2004

What's the connection? Radio 3 broadcast a stunning broadcast from the Proms last night of Messiaen's Eclairs sur l'au-delà with Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic - not a work I was familiar with, but certainly one that Rattle is clearly passionate about.

But time to get a recording - should I go for the new Rattle version or can anyone recommend another version.

This was then followed by a fascinating documentary on the Nigerian singer Fela Kuti - anyone have any recommedations for where to start?

How anyone can gripe about the BBC licence fee beats me.

David
Posted on: 07 September 2004 by --duncan--
I missed the Fela documentary because I was at the Albert Hall Smile, I presume it was in connection with this?

As to albums to try, I don't think you can't go wrong with any of the 1970's stuff. I've not found a duff one from the 10 or 12 I've got. Zombie, He Miss Road, Black President, Sorrow, tears and blood, Shuffering and Shimiling, Na Poi are all recommendable.

Eclairs sur l'au-delà... sounded absolutely stunning in the hall. I've no idea about how recordings compare but I can't imagine not liking the Rattle/BPO after what I heard last night.

duncan

Email: djcritchley at hotmail.com
Posted on: 07 September 2004 by Mekon
I can't remember the label, but you can pick up a bunch on a 2 albums for the price of 1 deal. I got Shakara/Fela's London Scene for £6.

I've only got a few afrobeat albums, but there's a superb compilation on Strut called "Nigeria 70: The Definitive Story of Funky Lagos" that I've really enjoyed.
Posted on: 07 September 2004 by kid spatula
i second the recommendations made by djc - "he miss road" and "sorrow, tears and blood" are both superb.

unkle are crap tho....

Wink
Posted on: 07 September 2004 by --duncan--
quote:


unkle are crap tho....



They don't deserve to be in the same thread as the mighty Fela (or Olivier Wink).

duncan

Email: djcritchley at hotmail.com
Posted on: 07 September 2004 by David Hobbs-Mallyon
quote:
I missed the Fela documentary because I was at the Albert Hall


Lucky you! - btw, how is the Albert Hall since the revamp? I always though the acoustics were split between being pretty good if you were ahead of the fountain, or dire if you were behind it.

I think I'll try the Rattle recording - did sound good.

As for the Fela Kuti, sounds like it'll be worth sampling a few.

Cheers

David
Posted on: 14 September 2004 by --duncan--
The Albert Hall sound is still a mixed bag, from the arena the 'upgrade' is of the order of grey to black SNAIC: a change for the better but not a dramatic one. The best sound is still about 8-10 rows back in the arena or half-way back in the stalls. The improvement in sound at the Barbican after their refit is much more significant, it’s still clear but warmer and has better bass extension. At £7 million it’s a bit more than a HiCap though. At least as much should be possible at the RFH, which should sound better than the Barbican. It still won’t be close to Birmingham’s hall which is like DBLs to the RFH’s Kans!

Mekon, I remember seeing the compilation you mentioned and almost bought it on the strength of the cover. I should have done as it appears that Strutt have recently gone under. Anyone know if vinyl copies are still out there?

duncan

Email: djcritchley at hotmail.com