Strutから、Lafayette Afro Rock Bandの1973年のファンク/アフロの名盤『Soul Makossa』が初の公式リマスター再発。Bobby Boyd Congressとして1971年にアメリカからフランスへ渡った7人組が、パリでIceに改名し、プロデューサーPierre Jaubertとの出会いを経て生まれた作品だ。バンドはアフリカ音楽の要素を取り入れ、インストゥルメンタル中心の重厚なアフロ・ファンクを展開。このアルバムは、Dibangoの名曲『Soul Makossa』の強烈なカバーや『Hihache』のブレイクが特に有名で、後にヒップホップ界で広くサンプリングされた。オリジナルテープから丁寧にリマスターされたこの再発盤は、黒ビニールのLPで完全収録。

A1. Soul Makossa 
A2. Azeta 
A3. Oglenon 
B1. Voodounon 
B2. Hihache 
B3. Nicky 

Strut proudly presents the first official remastered reissue of the funk/Afro classic, Lafayette Afro Rock Band's 'Soul Makossa' from 1973 on black vinyl LP. In 1971, an undocumented seven-member Afro-American ensemble known as the Bobby Boyd Congress made a transformative journey from the United States to France. Bandleader Frank Abel recollects, "We sensed that the soul and funk market was saturated back home, and our original plan was a brief 6-month stint in Paris. Surprisingly, we ended up staying for a decade." Upon lead singer Bobby Boyd's return to the U.S., the group rebranded as Ice and crossed paths with independent producer Pierre Jaubert, a seasoned studio professional with credits on groundbreaking recordings alongside Charles Mingus, John Lee Hooker, and Archie Shepp, among others. 
 
Drawing inspiration from Motown's work ethic, Jaubert initiated regular rehearsals with Ice. He recalled, "I didn't want to mimic Berry, but with seven talented musicians collaborating daily, something unique emerged." The band, residing in Paris and immersed in the African-dominated Barbesse district, began infusing African elements into their music frequently performing with Paris-dwelling Camaroonian and legendary composer Manu Dibango. 
 
Rechristening themselves Lafayette Afro Rock Band, the group's musical direction shifted towards predominantly instrumental compositions, characterized by a weightier, more intricate Afro-funk sound. Their debut recording under this new moniker, 'Soul Makossa,' made a powerful impact with a dynamic rendition of Dibango's classic, coupled with the intense break of 'Hihache' and the contagious 'Nicky.' Initially released by Musidisc in France and later in the U.S. via Editions Makossa, the album omitted the title track due to publishing clearance issues. 
 
Despite modest sales upon its initial release, the album's enduring influence became evident as hip-hop culture surged in the '80s, establishing it as a primary source for samples and riffs. The iconic 'Hihache' break found fame in Biz Markie's 'Nobody Beats The Biz,' and tracks from the album were lifted by LL Cool J, The Beatnuts, Kruder & Dorfmeister, and numerous others. 
 
This remastered reissue, the first of its kind, meticulously crafted by The Carvery from the original tapes, showcases the album in its entirety and includes the full original artwork. Pressed on black vinyl LP.