Amazigh Freedom Rock 1973-1983

Description

Bongo Joe Records continues its work of reissuing the fiery Kabyle rock of the Abranis, true pioneers of Algerian music who were the first to blend traditional Berber music with rock, folk, disco, and funk, while proudly celebrating their Kabyle heritage. - - ‘Amazigh Freedom Rock 1973-1983’ follows the release in 2018 of a first single, Chenar le Blues / Avehri, released in the Bongo Joe 45 RPM series. This compilation offers a comprehensive look at the Abranis' discography, from their garage-rock experiments in the early days to the fusion masterpieces of the 1980s. - - The story of the Abranis begins in the mid-1960s when two young Algerians crossed paths in the bohemian neighborhoods of Paris. Both Kabyle from Numidia, they had fled their country with their families following the rise of nationalism and conservatism after Algeria's independence in 1962. The two young men, Shamy El Baz and Karim Abdenour, were connected not only by their common origins: they both loved rock and were eager to create a modern Algerian sound, inspired by both Kabyle rhythms and melodies and Western rock. The cosmopolitan Paris of the 1960s allowed them to connect with other North African communities, whose sounds greatly influenced the Abranis' style, as well as the musical trends of the time, from prog to disco. - - The two musicians founded Les Abranis in 1967, teaming up with bassist Madi Mehdi and drummer Samir Chabane. Together, they experimented by mixing Kabyle voices and melodies with garage and psych-rock. The following years saw the release of a handful of singles on several North African labels based in France, a raucous Algerian tour, and several lineup changes. Shamy and Karim refined their fiery blend of Kabyle and rock, but as the 1970s progressed, they increasingly moved away from the garage and psychedelia of their beginnings, beginning to interpret their Kabyle repertoire in a more open and creative way, mixing kraut-rock, prog rock, and early electronic influences. - - With 11 electrifying tracks, ‘Amazigh Freedom Rock 1973-1983’ pays tribute to the power of the Abranis and highlights their legacy as the underground kings of Kabyle rock.