Surprise - Beleive Me

Media Condition: Near Mint

Sleeve Condition: Near Mint

In 1983, Frederic Gassita returned to his native Gabon after six years spent studying music in France. He wasted no time in forming a band called Surprise and recording an album. The set sank without trace at the time but has here been resurrected by the dusty-fingered crate diggers behind BeauMonde Records. It's definitely worth a listen. It's a little smoother - and certainly better produced, sound-wise - than many boogie-era West African recordings, with the quartet offering up tracks that effortlessly join the dots between smooth '80s soul, bubby jazz-funk, boogie, synth-pop, zouk and life-affirming tropical disco. It's a fine set, with "Ogoue", "Butter Fly" and "Will You Be The One" standing out.