'Bulayo (Guitar Songs From Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, And DR Congo)'

Drawn from late 70s field trips across East and Central Africa, Bulayo - Guitar Songs From Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia And DR Congo gathers recordings made by British-Kenyan musician John Low during journeys through villages, homes and roadside bars between 1979 and 1980. Travelling as a student of regional fingerstyle traditions, Low met players including Jean Bosco Mwenda, Losta Abelo and Emmanuel Mulemena, alongside lesser-documented names such as Francis Kitime and George Agade. First issued decades after these sessions, the compilation extends the scope of releases like African Guitar Box, presenting short, agile pieces - 'Kijana Usisikitike', 'Cherie Mupenzi', 'Bulayo' - recorded outside studio conditions, with room noise, conversation and ambient detail shaping recorded feel as much as playing.