Ray Stephen Oche and his Matumbo – No Discrimination

A revival, a resumption, a revelation… call it as you wish, Ray Stephen Oche is now delivering his musical message: fire, fun, fury, talent and magic. This is music from the African heartland, dense, intense, a genuine fermentation of black African experience in sound, a translation of Ray Stephen’s essence into a soothing, meaningful balm for your eager auditory faculties. Such is this album of “dedications”.

Pan-African rhythms from Ray Stephen Oche -- topped with some great jazzy elements as well. The set's one of Ray's classics from the Paris scene -- a set that draws heavily from his Nigerian roots, yet also takes full advantage of the wider cultural vibe going on in France at the time -- echoes of free jazz in the instrumentation, righteous soulful elements in the vocals, and a complicated rhythmic approach that brings in plenty of funk from the other side of the Atlantic as well. The album's a killer all the way through. -Dusty Groove

Former member of Bobby Benson's group, Nigerian born Stephen Oche recorded two albums in France with his multi-ethnic band Matumbo, while recording sessions with exiled US jazzmen Noah Howard or Alan Silva. An euphorizing Afro-Jazz session!

"[...] The band is composed mainly of African musicians (especially Congolese) and also Togolese, Brazilians, Guinean, french West Indians. His main purpose is to feature the different melodies and rhythmes of Africa. [...]"
The year of issue is unknown, probably 1976.

from the liner notes
"...After the memorable "Festival De Montparanasse", in 1970, Ray Stephen Oche joined "Alan Silva and his Celestial Communications Orchestra" for several concerts and festivals. In 1971 Ray collaborated with "Noah Howard Quartet" and played for the Copenhague Radio and television, at the university of the town and at the "Montmartre Jazz Club" . After having worked extenseively in Germany and Holland. Ray comes back to Paris where he founded his "Freedom Suite Orchestra"..." 

Ray Stephen Oche And His Matumbo – No Discrimination

Label: Favorite Recordings – FVR068
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue
Visit: https://favoriterecordings.bandcamp.com/
Country: France
Released: 1976 / May 28, 2012
Style: Afrobeat, Afro-Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Afro-Funk, Highlife
Source: Digital

1. Ada Ode 3:24
2. Trumpet Calls The People Of Nigeria 3:13
3. Peace Upon Kenemaland 3:51
4. At The Jazz Fountain 2:54
5. Ayipe-Assa 2:52
6. Benue Meditations 3:39
7. Owoicho Oche 6:07
8. Down Beat Special 2:32
9. Kano City Sky 3:49

10. Death Scattered Assa Village 3:12