The Apostles – Black Is Beautiful – New LP

​Simply wonderful set from 1977, filled to the gills with soulful laidback grooves, perhaps inspired by at least some of the following possible influences: other African outfits, West Indies music, soul jazz, gospel music, and American bands such as Sly & the Family Stone, Bill Withers, Johnny Nash, Dobie Gray, Bobby Womack, and mid-70s Isley Brothers.  Over the decades, I've come across several African albums that process this type of inviting groove, but few maintain the charm through two sides of a long-player.-- winch  "East Nigerian act, mostly known for their mid '70's/early eighties folky pop hits.  They started out as an unruly highlife-and-Congo music bar band and transformed into a rugged soul outfit." "Heaven sent from Nigeria’s tumultuous east, The Apostles have been preaching a particular blend of funky psychedelic soul/rock fusion for over forty years.  The players in the rhythm section, Henry Asu Tandu, Chicago Nwoha and Harrison Mba, are tight...keeping their heads