Gasper-Lawal, African percussionist extraordinary (sic), is the son of Herbalist Asorono-Akejiwori Lawal. Born in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria, Gasper came to England in the sixties and gigged with numerous African bands before deciding to involve himself with session work, as a means of expanding his musical horizons. He worked with Ginger Baker’s Airforce, Steve Stills, the Rolling Stones, Funkadelic, Joni Haastrup, Sonny Okosun, Barbra Streisand and many other names before joining Clancy in 1975. In 1977 Gasper returned to Nigeria for a while, returning to England to record ‘AJOMASE’ – which means “we all have to do it together”
As a guy who used to read the album credits I seem to remember him working with the Stones as well but cannot remember where or when.
I hope I am not alone in enjoying an album which came out in 1977 - the year of punk! This sat next door to my copy of "Never Mind".. oh happy days
Personnel:
Don Amaechi (guitar, percussion, kora, keyboards)
Ray Allen (saxophone)
Olalekan Babolola (percussion)
Colin Bass (bass)
Gasper Lawal (drums, percusion, vocals)
Tunji Omoshebi (trumpet)
Abdul Salongo (guitar)
Mac Tontoh (trumpet)
Tracklist:
01. Jekajose (Lawal) 0.57
02. Kita-Kita (Lawal) 3.41
03. Eronu (Lawal) 6.04
04. Ajomasé (Lawal) 5.47
05. Awon-Ojise-Oluwa (Lawal) 6.21
06. Oro-Moro (Lawal) 6.33
07. Saikoskro (Lawal) 5.04
ARMU 2181
ARMU 2181 (shareplace)