Cedric Im Brooks’ United Africa reissued on Pressure Sounds highlights 70s reggae and afro beat vinyl

United Africa, originally released in 1978 and now freshly reissued by Pressure Sounds, unveils the multifaceted artistry of Jamaican saxophonist and flautist Cedric “Im” Brooks. This seven-track album, long revered within reggae circles, presents a rich synthesis of reggae, afro beat, and funk influences that underscore Brooks’ innovative approach to music during a fertile period for Jamaican sounds. With its remastered audio bringing a new clarity to the recordings, the album stands as a significant testament to Brooks’ distinctive style and enduring impact. Notable compositions such as “Satta Masa Ganna” and “Silent Force” highlight the album’s dynamic blend of rhythmic complexity and soulful melodies, anchored by some of Jamaica’s finest musicians including the legendary drummer Tony Allen.

Brooks, a product of the renowned Alpha Boys School in Kingston, established himself not only as a celebrated solo artist but also as a pivotal figure involved with influential ensembles like The Skatalites and The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari. United Africa marks a crucial moment in his solo career where his deep affinity for blending roots reggae with wider pan-African musical elements becomes evident. The album’s fusion hints at a broader pan-African consciousness that was permeating the Jamaican music scene in the late 70s, aligning with similar explorations by artists such as Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus or the dub explorations of Lee “Scratch” Perry’s productions. This interplay of culture and sound positions United Africa as a work of both historical and musical significance.

Pressure Sounds, a British independent label known for its meticulous reissues of seminal reggae and dub recordings, has brought renewed life to United Africa with a high-quality vinyl pressing. This release caters to vinyl collectors and aficionados who appreciate the warmth and depth of analog sound, while simultaneously preserving the album’s legacy for contemporary audiences. The label’s dedication to curating and revitalizing overlooked classics situates this reissue among notable recent projects that have revisited the archives of reggae pioneers, much like the catalog efforts surrounding artists such as Augustus Pablo and Prince Far I. The vinyl format enhances the listening experience by delivering the textured layers of Brooks’ horn arrangements and the rhythmic interplay of funk and afrobeat elements present on the record.

Musically, United Africa resonates with the late 1970s vibrancy of the Jamaican music landscape, where the boundaries between reggae and funk were fluid, and experimentation flourished. Brooks’ saxophone work on this album navigates seamlessly between the hypnotic grooves typical of afrobeat, reminiscent of Fela Kuti’s pioneering rhythms, and the bass-heavy pulse emblematic of roots reggae. The emotive power of tracks like “African Medley” and “Praises” invites comparisons with contemporaries who similarly infused their music with spiritual and pan-African themes, including Max Romeo and the more jazz-rooted expressions of Ernest Ranglin. The presence of Tony Allen, famed for his collaborations with Fela Kuti, further reinforces the album’s cross-continental dialogue, enriching the sonic tapestry with a distinct polyrhythmic drive.

Cedric “Im” Brooks’ passing in 2013 in New York City marked the end of a remarkable career that bridged traditional Jamaican sounds and broader African diasporic expressions. This reissue of United Africa not only honors his legacy but also invites new generations to explore his contribution to reggae, afrobeat, and funk. Given the album’s cult status, this vinyl edition serves as a valuable physical document for listeners seeking to delve into the more experimental and genre-blending facets of Jamaican music history. Collectors and fans of roots and dub contemporaries, as well as those interested in the intersections of African and Caribbean music, will find this release a compelling addition to their collections and a nuanced entry point into Cedric Brooks’ expansive artistic journey.