The African Beat is a
jazz album by
Art Blakey and the Afro-Drum Ensemble recorded for
Blue Note on January 24, 1962 and released later that year.[5]
Background
He described it as the first opportunity he had to work with drummers from
Africa; as a blend of American
jazz with the traditional rhythms and tonal colors in the percussion of that continent. The album features compositions by African and American musicians, all based on aspects of
West African (especially
Nigerian) music.[6]
Track listing
Side 1
"Prayer by Solomon G. Ilori" – 0:55
"Ife L'ayo (There Is Happiness in Love)" (Solomon G. Ilori) – 5:31
"Obirin African (Woman of Africa)" (Garvin Masseaux) – 3:45