The Bongolian

Harlem Hipshake sees the welcome return of The Bongolian AKA multi-instrumentalist and Big Boss Man front man Nasser Bouzida. This, the sixth album under The Bongolian moniker, follows the highly acclaimed Moog Maximus.

Harlem Hipshake finds The Bongolian deeply immersed in his lifelong love for the music of the sixties New York’s Latin Soul scene, particularly the music of Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria and Joe Bataan. Principally a drummer, percussionist by trade, Nasser has once again delivered another set of heavy breaks and percussive grooves underpinning this brand-new collection of songs which he has written and produced. Whilst Nasser performs many of the instruments (as is usual with Bongolian albums) on the album, it also features a prominent use of additional UK musicians on brass duties. These include Terry Edwards (Trumpet, Trombone, Sax, Flute), Gareth James Bailey (Trombone) and Craig Crofton (Alto Sax), James Morton (Alto Sax), Andrew Ross (Tenor and Baritone sax) and Ralph Lamb (Trumpet).

From the East Side to the West Side, get ready for the Harlem Hipshake.

“the fabulously cool Harlem Hipshake is everything the title promises”. Shindig Magazine

I’m just loving this, so perfect, can’t stop playing it, just by listening to this makes you feel cooler.” Craig Charles (Funk & Soul Show BBC 6 Music)

“awesome album” Scootering Magazine

Back in 2001, Nasser Bouzida disappeared into his studio and created a solo set of recordings which resulted in the birth of his alter ego The Bongolian. Drawing on influences of Funk, Latin, Soul and Jazz, Nasser produced an inspired selection of recordings blending elements of grinding percussion and heavy Bongo rhythms. The eponymous debut ‘The Bongolian’ was released early in 2002 to much critical acclaim, and followed up by the albums ‘Blueprint’, ‘Outer Bongolia’ and ‘Bongos For Beatniks’ and Moog Maximus. The albums have become record box essentials for DJs, finding a wide appeal from Dance and Hip-Hop to Rare Groove and Funk 45s fans.

Nasser Bouzida is the leader and chief songwriter of Big Boss Man whose 4th album ‘Last Man On Earth’ which received strong support at BBC 6 Music (Cerys Mathews, Craig Charles, Gideon Coe, Nemone) with the band touring Europe extensively since its release. The Bongolian also collaborated with Fay Hallam for the album Lost In Sound (Fay Hallam & The Bongolian).

As part of Blow Up 25th anniversary celebrations Blow Up Records re-released a brand-new vinyl cut, as a limited 180g clear vinyl pressing of the classic third Bongolian album ‘Outer Bongolia’. The original vinyl pressing had long been long sold out and original copies were much sort after.

Selected quotes of releases from The Bongolian:

“It’s official. The Bongolian. My new favourite band. You heard it here first” Craig Charles, BBC 6 Music Funk & Soul Show

“A superb record” Nemone, BBC 6 Music (Moog Maximus)

“All I know is that it makes me want to dance” Craig Charles House Party (Radio 2)

“That is sheer musicality” Cerys Mathews BBC 6 Music

“Terrific stuff, that is” Gary Crowley BBC London

“Beautiful new breaks” Nemone BBC 6 Music “A brilliant, brilliant funk” Chris Hawkins BBC 6 Music (Googa Mama)

“Guaranteed to keep the party going” Vive Le Rock (Moog Maximus)

“This is the feel-good album. 9/10 ” Louder Than War (Moog Maximus)

“Forget your preconceptions, this is the REAL incredible bongo band.” CLASH Magazine

“Nasser Bouzida is a man with talent to spare. A Latin-flavoured jazz-funk odyssey” (Outer Bongolia) Q Magazine

“The UK’s premier exponent of bongo-driven freakbeat” PLAN B

“A beautifully well-rounded album. Gorgeously psychedelic.” SUBBA-CULTCHA

” Mightily funky, Hammond driven bongo rhythms… part mod, part Sergio Mendes, very swingin’…” TIME OUT

Hipper, groovier, and funkier than ever before! Imagine Booker T & The MGs, The Duke Of Burlington, and Alan Hawkshaw taking a trip to the stars” DUSTY GROOVE