Ebo Taylor & The Pelikans

In the mid 70s Ebo Taylor joined forces with Cape Coast band The Pelikans, a 12 piece outfit led by Osibisa member Bessa Simmona, to produce this gem of a record, reissued by Mr Bongo. It’s the first album to feature Taylor as a singer, which is a funny thought considering how much his compelling, husky voice has since become part of his sound since then. The album is a little rawer than some of his others, but no less captivating, showcasing Taylor’s versatility by moving between the loose, simmering funk of “Egya Edu” (if you can overlook the somewhat disturbing lyrics) and the swinging, jazz sound of “Mber No Aso” and the mellow reggae vibes of “If You Care.”  The album also contains the funk anthem “Come Along”, sampled by Sadat X on “Remember That.”