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Spotlight: King Sunny Ade
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Star Tribune, Spotlight: King Sunny Ade >>
He was the leader of Africa's first jam band, not that it was called that back in 1967. Ade is the king of juju music, the sound of Nigeria's Yoruba people featuring a hand-held talking drum. The innovative and colorful guitarist modernized the music by adding keyboards and pedal steel guitar, among other things. Two recent compilations -- "Best of the Classic Years" (late '60s/early '70s) and "Syncro Series" (albums from '82 and '83) -- illustrate the evolution of juju. But the music -- a mesmerizing mix of polyrhythms and intricate guitar work by many players -- is best experienced live with Ade's large ensemble, the African Beats. This is his first local appearance in five years. Opening is Prince Obi Osadebe, the son of one of Nigeria's biggest highlife stars. (9:30 p.m. Sun. Cabooze, 917 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. $17 advance, $20 door, 612-338-6425.)
-Jon Bream 04/07/05
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