Man of many talents Nasser Bouzida can cut it with the best of them on the Hammond, Farfisa and Moog as well as being a spectacular drummer and a host other things besides. It is with the bongos however, that he is indelibly linked – whether this be playing with either of his bands Big Boss Man or the Bongolian, guesting with the likes of Link Quartet or as a solo artist. And it is as a solo artist that he drops yet another bongo-fuelled bomb on Mr Bongo Man. Could this perhaps feature the bongos? Like you need to ask. It kicks off to the strains of a voice calling, ‘Hey Mr Bongo Man,’ and an instant response comes in bongo form. 8 bars later and we enter a full, pulsing drum, bongo, and wah-wah guitar blaxploitation groove soon joined by a Moog. There’re two directions things can go from here since you’re supplied with both the original mix and a scratch mix. The jazzier amongst you will stick with the original mix for the extremely (Acid) jazzy horns. Those of a more hip-hop persuasion (and this will include the monkey) will head for the scratch mix featuring some nifty scratching by one…Nasser Bouzida and a version that evokes nothing less than one of Kool Herc’s 70s block parties. Hey Mr Bongo Man indeed! Also includes bonus bongo effects and scratches.
(Out now on Spinout Nuggets)
