Various Artists

Formed by DJ and record producer Jimmy Gray in Richmond, Virginia, and following in the footsteps of other influential black-owned independent labels like Strata-East and Tribe, the foundation of Black Fire coincided with saxophonist James “Plunky” Branch returning to the city from New York to form Oneness Of Juju. The band’s ‘African Rhythms’ album in 1975 was the perfect fusion of jazz, deep African polyrhythms and empowering lyrics and bassist Muzi Branch, a trained artist, created the first of many Black Fire handillustrated sleeves for the label’s debut release.

TRACKS:

• 01. Theatre West – Children Of Tomorrow's Dreams
• 02. Oneness Of Juju – Soul Love Now
• 03. Byard Lancaster – Drummers From Ibadan
• 04. B2. Juju – Nia (Poem: The Complete Circle)
• 05. Lon Moshe – Doin The Carvin For Thabo
• 06. Wayne Davis – Look At The People
• 07. Southern Energy Ensemble – Third House
• 08. Oneness Of Juju – African Rhythms (Live In Washington DC, 1975)
• 09. Okyrema Asante
• 10. Experience Unlimited – People