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File under: Afrobeat

Plunky Nkabinde, Oneness of Juju

Make A Change (LP)

LabelStrut

FormatLP

GenreJazz

Out of stock

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The definitive edition of a 1977 classic, Plunky & Oneness Of Juju’s ‘Make A Change’ album featuring the international hit ‘Every Way But Loose’ and five previously unheard studio takes across an expanded 2lp release. Recorded at Omega studios in Maryland, the album marked a transition for the band with lead vocalist Jackie Eka-Ete recording her last sessions with Plunky and Virtania Tillery taking over lead vocal duties. “‘Make A Change’ was always designed as a slightly more commercial entry in our discography,” says Plunky. “We approached the sessions in the same way that we had approached all of our music since the early ‘70s. We played extended jams because we would always find something within those explorations. The songs had enough organic qualities to be considered R&B and enough rhythm to be Afro funk.” After catching fire in Washington DC clubs through local record pools, the dancefloor favourite ‘Every Way But Loose’ famously became an anthem for Larry Levan at New York’s Paradise Garage, kick-starting international success for the track.

Other album cuts like funk workout ‘Higher’ and the wistful stepper ‘Always Have To Say Goodbye’ have remained staples among soulful DJs worldwide, the latter surfacing in a new Kon edit. “The songs and lyrics on this album have come back around full circle,” continues Plunky. “With songs like ‘(Family Tree) Make A Change’ and ‘Every Way But Loose’, we don’t have to change one word for them to be relevant all these years later. The positive messages are universal and timeless.” This definitive edition of ‘Make A Change’ features the full original album alongside five previously unheard studio takes, all remastered by The Carvery from the original tapes. Bonus tracks include extended studio versions of ‘Every Way But Loose’ and ‘Always Have To Say Goodbye’ and a previously unheard version of ‘Time’. Package features brand new liner notes by bandleader Plunky Branch. Released on CD, 2LP, digital and streaming. 

Details
File under: Afrobeat
Cat. number: STRUT257LP
Year: 2021
Tracklist
A1(Family Tree) Make a Change6:25
A2Run Away Bay6:17
A3Love's Wonderland5:54
B1Every Way But Loose6:42
B2Higher4:41
B3Always Have to Say Goodbye5:58
C1Every Way But Loose (Extended Studio Version)9:26
C2Run Away Bay (Extended Studio Version)8:08
D1Plastic (Previously Unreleased Version)5:02
D2 Time (Extended Studio Version)6:07
D3Always Have to Say Goodbye (Extended Studio Version)7:29
Credits
Denny M. Williams
Artwork [Cover Design]
Lady Eka-Ete
Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals
Judy Spears
Backing Vocals
Muzi Nkabinde
Backing Vocals, Bass, Handclaps, Percussion, Producer
Plunky Nkabinde
Backing Vocals, Engineer [Remix, Recording], Lead Vocals, Percussion, Producer, Saxophone [Tenor, Soprano], Flute, Leader [Musical Direction]
Veronica "Nilaja" Jones
Backing Vocals
Virtania "Cookie" Tillery
Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals
William "Bill" Joyner
Clavinet, Piano
Kevin Davis
Drums, Congas, Timbales
Weldon Hill
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer, Organ, Piano
Billy Brady
Engineer [Remix, Recording]
Ras Mel Glover Jr.
Guitar [Lead], Rhythm Guitar
Lew Harrison
Photography
Marcus Macklin
Rhythm Guitar
O. Asante
Talking Drum