Alma Afrobeat Ensemble – It’s Time (Slow Walk Music, 2015)

It’s Time is the new album by Spain-based Afrobeat band Alma Afrobeat Ensemble. The group was originally started in Chicago by guitarist Aaron Feder, but he later moved to Barcelona in 2006, which is where Alma Afrobeat Ensemble is currently based.

The new recording includes several hip shaking Afrobeat studio pieces along with some reggae and blues as well as a set of songs remixed by various DJs: DJ Farmo, DJ Phader, Los Kalakos, DJ Quiet and Ray Lugo, who brought in hip-hop, coupé decalé, dance music, and dub elements.

Alma Afrobeat Ensemble’s lyrics show the band’s commitment to social justice with songs like “Shakedown” that delves into racism and corruption.

The ensemble has a new Nigerian vocalist, Joe Psalmist, from Lagos, who brings Afrobeat authenticity to the band. Psalmist sings in Yoruba, English and pidgin and is especially influenced by soul music.

The lineup on It’s Time includes Aaron Feder on guitar; Joe Psalmist on vocals; “Olawale”; Alfonso Fernandez on bassoon and backing vocals; Aurora Arenare on trombone and backing vocals; Didier Roch on percussion; Fernando Redondo “Dinky” on bass; Gustavo “Tato” Sassone on drums; Josep Contreras on saxophones; Paquito de la Iguana on keyboards and backing vocals; and Valentina Sousa on backing vocals.

The fascinating Picasso-inspired Afrocubist album cover artwork is by Yusupha Gai, a Young Gambian artist that the band met at a club in the Spanish city of Ceuta, located in North Africa.
It’s Time combines a powerful mix of classic Afrobeat, soul, reggae, soul and other African-rooted genres.