Orlando Julius With The Heliocentrics – Jaiyede Afro – (Strut)
DMC World Magazine
The Heliocentrics are a versatile bunch, having achieved fascinating results in their collaborations with Mulatu Astatke and Lloyd Miller, and here they are working with Nigerian superstar Orlando Julius, who takes the opportunity to bring forward some songs from his early years that have never been recorded. As ‘early years’ for Julius are back in the 1960s, this makes for a rewarding blend when the Heliocentrics’ more modern, jazz based thoughts come into it, and as a result the musical cocktail is a pretty heady one. ‘Love They Neighbour’ feels the funk really nicely, while ‘Be Counted’ is softly compelling with the addition of a commanding sax solo. ‘Aseni’ shows the collaboration is capable of rougher edges, while ‘Omo Oba Blues’ takes a traditional song from Julius’ school days and works wonders with it. A consistently strong blend.
