The second curated box set of long-awaited reissues from Fela Kuti is finally here! This time around, Knitting Factory Records has enlisted frequent Fela collaborator Ginger Baker to take the honors in selecting 6 classic LPs from the godfather of afrobeat's illustrious catalog. Baker's selections for this set include his own collaboration record, Live with Ginger Baker from '71, Roforofo Fight from '72, Confusion and Alagbon Close from '74, He Miss Road from '75, and Na Poi from '76. Each of the albums have been painstakingly reproduced with full color album art and vintage labels making these particular reissues an excellent choice for collectors. If you're unfamiliar with Fela Kuti's music, this release is the excellent place to start - for longtime fans, this is an opportunity to own some of the harder to find records in a deluxe, expertly packaged set. The box also includes a 12 page full-color booklet with an essay by Ginger Baker, liner notes from veteran British music journalist Chris May, and a poster designed by H. Cuadrado. Recommended.

• music label: Knitting Factory 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 11/2012