Rob (5) – Rob

I’m not sure if this was made from the original master tapes, but either way it sounds awesome! Another winner from Mr Bongo!

"Here lies the most coveted treasure, the ultimate holy grail of Ghanaian music."

The enigmatic journey behind this album is as mysterious as the elusive path to acquire it. Rob 'Roy' Raindorf stands as one of the few known personalities associated with this musical masterpiece. Rob possessed a distinct vision for an album he yearned to create, and fate brought him into the orbit of a military highlife band known as Mag-2, led by the enigmatic figure, Amponsha Rockson. It was this elusive character who breathed life into the music, composing and arranging it with an aura of secrecy.

Amponsha Rockson remains shrouded in mystery, his name absent from any mention on the album, and his desire for anonymity steadfast. Even the vast expanse of online resources yields little information, save for Essiebons' confirmation of Amponsha's pivotal role in composing and arranging the songs.

While Rob's vision birthed a Cosmic Funk album, Amponsha Rockson introduced elements that evoke the essence of a 40-year-old single malt whiskey, as though the music were recorded in a room veiled in cigar smoke. The album's density, rawness, and smoky ambiance leave an indelible weight upon each listen. Perhaps, in time, more details will emerge about the backing band and the elusive Mr. Rockson.

Unfortunately this album is so expensive that it could not been a keeper. But I am soo happy that I was trusted with the sale of this album. And could have it for a few spins on my turntable.

The fence at the back is similar to the one on Ebo Taylor blue LP, same release year, same cover format - where could this be? Essiebons garden?

Super clean and quiet pressing, great separation and dynamics. Wonderful music. Think Isaac Hayes meets Fela Kuti and a bit of JBs thrown in. Absolute bargain!

Wonderfull pressing, as usual with Mr Bongo ! Excellent LP

They did a great job with the pressing but have to say that I really hate how this label is always messing with the original sleeve art. That's reason enough to take a gamble on the Mr. Bongo reissue. Analog Africa were originally going to remove stand out track "Forgive Us All" from the release which is just baffling. Enough people protested to get him to wisely rethink this foolish move.

What can I say, except that I love this record from start to finish
"Forgive Us All" is hypnothic
The pressing and the sound are of very high quality as often with AnalogAfrica
A must have
Purchased new € 25 directly from the label via Bandcamp

What is the difference between the Analog Africa pressing and the Mr Bongo?

what difference is there between the two 2019 reissues ?
thx

O crumbs mammy, this is the REAL DEAL when it cumbs to that Cosmic Afro Fonk that we all lust after. Makes me want to don my latex love flares and boogie all the way to Ghana for a good old-fashioned shake of my tushy wazoo.