Love & Death

iTunes Review

“Criminally unknown” is one of the first descriptors that comes to mind when talking about Ghanan guitarist Ebo Taylor. With Nigerian artists like Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade dominating the Afrobeat and highlife music scene, casual American fans had to be diligent if they hoped to discover the lesser-known names. Serious fans of the genre know Ebo Taylor as a revered composer and musician who for decades has worked as a producer and arranger for Ghana’s biggest record labels. Love & Death is the astonishing new recording by Taylor, who, into his ‘70s, sounds as fresh and energetic as he did on recordings from decades past; his voice is only slightly worn, and is still warm and passionate. New versions of “Love & Death” and “Victory” are rich and vibrant, with their horn-driven funk and glinting guitar tapestry epitomizing the brilliance of Taylor and his backing band, Berlin’s Afrobeat Academy (comprised of members of classic Afrobeat bands like Marijata). A stunning example of a living legend staying true to his vision, this ridiculously belated foray by Taylor into the international market is simply dazzling.