Legendary Ghanaian highlife pioneer Ebo Taylor is set to release his highly anticipated album, Jazz Is Dead 022 (JID022), on January 31, 2025. This marks Taylor’s first album in seven years and a continuation of his remarkable career that spans over six decades.
The project is a collaboration with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, the founders of the Jazz Is Dead record label, known for spotlighting legendary yet underappreciated musicians.
At the age of 90, Taylor has overcome significant challenges to bring this album to life. Following a stroke in 2018 that affected his ability to communicate in English and play guitar, Taylor worked closely with his son and bandleader, Henry Taylor, who acted as his spokesperson and creative partner during the recording process. The album was recorded at Younge's Linear Labs studio in Los Angeles, using analog tape to capture a raw yet timeless sound.
A Blend of Highlife, Afrobeat, and Jazz
The seven-track album features a mix of highlife rhythms, Afrobeat grooves, and jazz influences. Tracks such as Get Up, Kusi Na Sibo, and Nsa A W’oanye Edwuma Ondzidzi showcase Taylor’s signature style—infused with polyrhythmic percussion, swirling horns, and heartfelt lyrics sung in both English and Fante. Despite his age and vocal changes, the producers embraced the raspy texture of his voice, creating an authentic sound that resonates with decades of wisdom and experience.
Tracklist:
1. Get Up
2. Obra Akyedzi
3. Kusi Na Sibo
4. Obi Do Woa (If Someone Loves You)
5. Nsa A W’oanye Edwuma Ondzidzi
6. Beye Bu, Beye Ba
7. Feeling
The album’s themes explore love, spirituality, resilience, and gratitude—hallmarks of Taylor’s music that have captivated audiences since the 1970s.
A Trans-Atlantic Collaboration
Taylor’s collaboration with Younge and Muhammad bridges African highlife with American jazz and soul influences. This cultural exchange reflects the shared musical history between West Africa and the African diaspora. As musicologist John Collins explained, highlife emerged from a blend of indigenous Ghanaian rhythms and Caribbean influences brought by African soldiers during the colonial era.
Adrian Younge described working with Taylor as "a bucket-list accomplishment," comparing it to collaborating with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. The recording process involved Ghanaian musicians from Taylor’s touring ensemble as well as session players familiar with Younge’s production style.
Legacy and Impact
Ebo Taylor has been a transformative figure in African music since the 1960s, blending traditional highlife with funk, jazz, and soul elements. His earlier works have been sampled by global artists like Usher and Black Eyed Peas. Albums such as Love and Death (2010) introduced him to a new generation of listeners.
With JID022, Taylor continues to push boundaries while honoring his roots. The album stands as a testament to his enduring influence on African music and his ability to adapt while staying true to his artistic vision.
This release promises to be a milestone not only for Ebo Taylor but also for fans of highlife and Afrobeat worldwide, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire across generations.
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