v/a: Nigeria 70 Sweet Times: Afro-Funk Highlife

Label: Strut

Strut's spectacular Nigeria 70 series is about as foolproof as compilations get these days. This is the third installment, and while it doesn't reach the highs of the stupendous first volume, it's pretty great stuff. Series curator Duncan Brooker (give this man an award, please!) has once again excavated some rare tracks from Nigeria's label archives, but he wisely gives this volume a different bent, focusing on the nation's vibrant fusion scene from the early 1970s. If the word "fusion" compels you to stick your fingers in your ears, bear in mind this is no fusion of the Jean-Luc Ponty variety: this music beautifully fuses jazz, funk, rock and disco with more native juju and highlife genres. Too many highlights to mention here, but the 15-minute "It's Time for Juju Music" is a groove for the ages. We also have tracks here from Nigerian legends Victory Olaiya and Ebenezer Obey featuring some mind-blowing jams. All of these tracks were never released outside Nigeria, and as if the music isn't great enough, you also get real bang for your buck: 80 minutes of awesome grooves!