Biography

The cult band the Afrojazz Quintet released its debut album “Bongo Jazz” at the end of September 2019. The band expanded in 2018 to include Blues singer Charlotta Kerbs as lead vocalist. The album also features some well-known Finnish music influencers such as Sam Huber (Eternal Erection, True Groove All Stars) and Richard Stanley, perhaps best known as the producer of the popular Seventies rock group Hurriganes.

The Afrojazz Quintet's live shows have featured Sakari Kukko, Jimi Tenor, Sam Huber, Meissa Niang and Ismaila Sané, among others. With a repertoire of West African funk, hi-life, afrobeat, world music, soul, reggae and jazz, the Quintet with their guest musicians present their special blend of African roots music with a psychedelic twist.

“Bongo Jazz” takes the listener on a transatlantic voyage from West Africa to New Orleans, with an emphasis on lyrics that express themes of mysticism and peace. The songs are composed by Antero Priha and Alvar Gullichsen, with lyrics by Matthew John Dorman and Richard Stanley.

AFROJAZZ QUINTET feat Charlotta Kerbs:

CHARLOTTA KERBS / Lead vocals
ANTERO PRIHA / Trumpet, keyboard, organ, flute, backing vocals
AKIM COLOR / Congas, talking drum, African maracas
JULIUS HEIKKILÄ / Lead guitar, organ
DANIEL IISKOLA / Bass
ALVAR GULLICHSEN / Percussion, guitar, backing vocals
ANSSI TIRKKONEN / Drums
SAM HUBER / Lead and backing vocals
MATTHEW JOHN DORMAN / Backing vocals

Tracks  composed by Alvar Gullichsen (1,2,6,7,9) and Antero Priha (3,4,5,6)
Lyrics by Matthew John Dorman, expect 3 by Richard Stanley

Tracklist

1. Bongo Jazz Alvar Gullichsen
2. Somebody Say SoAlvar Gullichsen
3. CleopatraAntero Priha
4. Starship BabiesAntero Priha
5. Starship Babies Beat Remix Antero Priha
6. To The Mountain TopAlvar Gullichsen
7. Train SongAlvar Gullichsen
8. Holy BluesAntero Priha
9. To The Mountain Top Instrumental Alvar Gullichsen