Title Tracks for Original Broadway Cast Recording: FELA!
1. Everything Scatter
2. BID (Breaking It Down) High Life (Medzi Medzi)/Yellow Fever
3. Trouble Sleep
4. Teacher
5. Black President (scene)
6. Lover
7. Upside Down
8. Expensive Shit
9. I.T.T. (International Thief Thief)
10. Kere Kay
11. Water Get No Enemy
12. Torture (scene)
13. Zombie
14. Trouble Sleep (reprise)
15. Na Poi
16. Sorrow, Tears And Blood
17. Sorrow After Testimonials (scene/interlude)
18. Dance of the Orisas (Shakara)
19. Rain
20. Coffin Head of State
21. Kere Kay (act II)
22. Gentleman (bows)
Product Review
Product Description
Recorded in one day in early March, the record documents the magic of the hit Broadway musical that The New York Times, TimeOut NY and New York Magazine called the 'Best of 2009!' FELA! Original Broadway Cast Recording features the incomparable Sahr Ngaujah as Fela singing with the irrepressibly funky Anitbalas. All 16 of the Fela compositions that are performed on stage each night are on the record as are several songs performed by Funmalayo as played by Lilias White, and Sandra Izadore as played by Saycon Sengbloh. The record was produced by Robert Sher who has been nominated for many Broadway Cast Recording Grammys. Based on the life of groundbreaking African composer and performer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, FELA! is the critically acclaimed Broadway musical that uses Fela's music to explore his life as an artist, political activist and revolutionary musician. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones with arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas, FELA! is a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theatre. The cast recording captures the electricity and joy that thousands have experienced at the Eugene O'Neill Theater every night since the play opened on November 23, 2009. The record is a document of that experience, yet at the same time is a musical statement in its own right.
This review is from: Original Broadway Cast Recording: FELA! (Audio CD)
Full disclosure: I saw Fela live about 18-19 years ago. Have listened to his music much longer. The cast recording is faithful and true. But if you buy it, you owe it to yourself to go to the source on your next payday. Buy Fela's records. Also, support Antibalas, the Budos Band, and Rubblebucket. These bands keep Fela and the afrobeat sound alive and accessible. Buy their music and go to their concerts. They gig constantly and the shows are affordable. More importantly, you will dance your ass off.
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This review is from: Original Broadway Cast Recording: FELA! (Audio CD)
This show is a moving portrayal of a vibrant man who lived in troubled times. Filled with music and movement, the show transports you to a hectic time and place to describe events and sounds that transformed a nation.
The soundtrack captures practically all of the most spectacular moments of the production. I highly recommend having it to reflect on the meaning of music and the sounds by the amazing band. Even if you aren't able to get to the show and are just a fan of the music, the soundtrack provides anmazing narrative that lends such perspective to the songs and gives a little insight to the atmosphere of that time.
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I got this album as the MP3 Deal of the Day on Juy 3, 2010 at the special price of $2.99. For this price, this is a good deal on what amounts to basically a very good album of covers of Fela Kuti songs with actor's narration placing the music into the context of Fela's life. At the regular full price, I think I'd recommend most people go to original recordings by Fela instead.
I haven't seen the play from which this music comes. But I do like Fela Kuti and think he is arguably the most internationally important African musician of the 20th century. He is a cultural and musical figure that too few people in the U.S. are aware of. To the extent this play and record help change that, it's all to the good.
The album contains interludes with the actor who plays Fela Kuti narrating recollections as Fela, incidents from his life and some of the ideas that formed him as an artist. This is actually nice value added that could make it worthwhile for a general listener...Read more
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