December 26, 2024

Skylight Webzine

Online since 2000

Osibisa Legend Gregg Kofi Brown Releases Autobiography & New CD Anthology


Gregg Kofi-Brown is best known for his work with seminal African funk rock pioneers Osibisa, who were one of the first, if not THE first African band to achieve popular success in the West. With conscience laden lyrics and funky afro-rhythms, Gregg has a created a multi-national musical platform with his guest artists that speaks to many people across the world. Gregg Kofi Brown was executive producer of the 2003 Evening Standard cover-mount CD give away in memory of Damilola Taylor which featured the likes of Robbie Williams, Craig David, Gorillaz, Blue and Ms.Dynamite.

Gonzo Multimedia UK has just released Gregg Kofi Brown’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll And UFOs” anthology and will be releasing his autobiography of the same title next month! Gregg Kofi Brown has transcended many genres of music…from his ongoing collaborations with jazz drummer supreme Billy Cobham, to performing as guest guitarist with World music guitar legend Bombino, from Niger. Gregg Kofi’s recent performance on Italy’s Rai 1 TV for the Epifania concert saw him singing with a 35 piece orchestra. His appearance along with an array of world music and Italian artists was the highlight of this holiday TV special.

This album, “Rock ‘n’ Roll And UFOs”, is an anthology of music from Gregg Kofi Browns career and contains previous unreleased songs, remixes and demos with many guest musicians and artists such as Sting guitarist Dominic Miller, Bomb da Bass, Osibisa, The cast of the Who’s Tommy, The Chimes Pauline Henry, the Who’s former keyboard guru John Rabbit Bundrick and Seal guitarist Gus Isidore.

Says Gregg, “My anthology album draws on the musical talents that have helped to drive my career from the beginning to the present. Great creative musicians who just happen to be my friends have contributed to this historical album such as: Dominic Miller (Sting), John Rabbit Bundrick (The Who, Free, Bob Marley), Gus Isidore (Seal), Osibisa, Kari Bannerman (Ronnie Laws, Ibibio Sound Machine), Novecento (Billy Cobham, Chaka Khan) and Pauline Henry (The Chimes) to name but a few.”

This is Gregg Kofi Brown’s first career-spanning anthology and is a real treat to his many fans across the world

Tracks:
How Can I?
All The Way For You (unplugged)
Nkosi B
Open Up My Arms (unplugged)
Shadow
Tender Eyes (unplugged)
This Guy
Wake Up In The Morning
Whisper In The Wind
Listening To You
Freedom’s Ring (unplugged)
Summer Rain (unplugged)
Freedom’s Ring (the groove mix)
Take Your Time
Tricky Situation
Perfect Rainbow (unplugged)

The album is a companion to Gregg Kofi Brown’s autobiography of the same name which covers his early career in Los Angeles and London. From his first pro tour with Joe Cocker and Eric Burdon to close encounters of a third kind in a California desert and his adventures touring the world with African rock pioneers Osibisa. His journey includes starring in hit west end productions in London, recording and touring with infamous rock bands like Hanoi Rocks and The Members.

Says Gregg, “Follow my fly on the wall look at the music scene in London and Los Angeles during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Sex, politics, murder, miracles and lots of awesome music are all part of the mix during this amazing journey! True tales of the music scene in 70’s LA and 80’s/90’s London, with cameos from the likes of Sean Connery, Kim Wilde, Isaac Hayes, Joe Cocker, Eric Burdon, Elton John, Peter Green, Billy Cobham, Osibisa, Salif Keita, Pete Townshend, Youssou N’Dour, Fela Kuti, Lauryn Hill, Sting, Damon Albarn & Des’ree. A murder in LA, a close encounter in the desert, a miracle in Africa, an epiphany in London and a number one hit in the USA. A cultural journey. A great holiday read.”

At the beginning of this account of his fascinating life he writes: “My life in the music and entertainment industry has always had its entry point on several cascading levels. That is to say the various opportunities that have availed themselves to me have forced me to wear many hats on a daily basis. Whether it’s supporting Jimmy Cliff at a festival in Vienna or teaching a music theory class in London, I am blessed to be working in a business I enjoy.”

Source: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/