WOYAYA

From the opening thunderclap and haunting flute of "Beautiful Seven", I knew I was in for something special with this album, whose '70's vibe, instrumental exuberance, and rhythmic grooves strike a unique and irresistable appeal. Woyaya is unlike anything else I've heard, combining so much of what makes music good and delivering it with genuine excitement. Like the group sings in "Beautiful Seven": "We give you our treasure."

Throughout Woyaya we are gifted with fantastic instrumental playing and a contagious energy. The mix of solid instrumental jams, african percussion, and latin/caribbean/reggae elements make Osibisa a wonderful discovery. The density and variety of sounds makes for an engaging listen, and the fine performances show that there's a lot more going on here than mere dance grooves.

"Beautiful Seven" opens the album with an almost mystic feel, with a gentle flute solo giving way to a solid bass groove and vocal harmonies. In many ways, this is the most fusion/prog song of the entire album, being more about compositional narrative and experimentation than the wild jams which follow. "Y Sharp" follows with a bold brass shout chorus, leading in to fine guitar work. Things only get better with "Spirits Up Above", which moves from a soulful chior to a feverish guitar jam with a latin-feel. The closer is like an African-style ballad with an endearing feel and. Great!

With the only weak link being the dance-oriented funk tune, "Survival", Woyaya soars. It's unique sound and bouyant energy. Not to be missed!

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 4 Vocals/Lyrics: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 5