Description
Vinyl LP pressing of Pasteur Lappe's debut album We, The People.
Pasteur's first album was recorded in 1979 with the backing band and
production collective called the Zulu Gang, which include Douglas Mbida
(who went on to release several top flight albums himself) and Jacob
Desvariaux (who went on to form Kassav). The album is full of diverse
sounds; from driving funk, sweeping disco grooves, syrupy ballads,
reggae, Jackson-five-esque pop to finger-lickin' soul. At it's core
though is the custom "Sekele" groove... a movement to encompass the
dance, grooves and vibes from his native Douala.
The album opens with
the pulsing grooves of "More Sekele Movement" which features driving
bass groove, snappy percussion and catchy vocal lines from our hero.
"Dora" is next. It is a sparkly Afro pop gem with stabby horns and a
smooth catchy melody. Things take a slow route for the next track -
"Watch Get My Day Dreams" which is a slow smooth vocal number. Lazy
Rhodes and a end-of-the-disco sway. It also features Maryse Lappe
guesting on vocals. Things heat up on the flip with "Sekelimania (Nku
Bilam)" bringing back the funk. Choppy guitar riffs, percussive clarinet
and top-of-the-world horns power this smooth power funk along. Next
"The Sekele Movement" keeps the horn department busy with it's Afro
swing drums, walking bass lines and funky keys. This track was featured
on the recent Analog Africa - "Pop Makossa" compilation. A real find.
The album closes with a slow and forlorn love song. A partly spoken,
partly sung love song which talks of separation and longing. The perfect
thoughtful ending to a fine LP.
Comes with a download card of the free digital copy.
