9. King Sunny Ade - Gems from the Classic Years (1967-1974)

Years ago - probably sometime in the mid-90's, I saw King Sunny Ade and band at the now-defunct Tramps.  They were opening up for Poi Dog Pondering (one of my favorite bands of the 90's - I'll write about them another time).

I don't remember much about the King's set, but I do recall it was more like a party than a concert, and we were all attendees.  I also remember the guys from Poi Dog being in awe of having such a master open up for them.

If every artist who was indebted to King Sunny Ade sent him a fruit basket, he'd have quite an orchard.

The Talking Heads... Paul Simon... Vampire Weekend... the list could go on and on.  This music, led by great guitar and percussion, bounces along and puts you in a trance-like state, much as the Dead or Phish can do.

Party on, King!