The opening chords of this tropical-sounding track, a makeover of the Afro-funk original penned by Pat Thomas back in the 80s, will have you reaching for the sunblock. By the time the Ebo Taylor-conjured horn arrangements kick in at around 10 seconds, you’ll be adjusting your shades and when Thomas’ silky vocals arrive at the party a few seconds later, you’ll have forgotten that there might ever be another day without sunshine so long as this song keeps on playing.
Celebrating half a century in music, Ghanaian highlife superstar Pat Thomas has reunited with some of his old stage mates (including Afrobeat drum-druid Tony Allen) to craft an album of songs – the self-titled album Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band – that are as sunny as they are cheerful.
As “Mr Golden Voice of Africa” sings on this number, “Just take it easy and don’t shed any tears!” Therein lies a motto for life (or just long enough to see us through winter, at least.)
The new self-titled album is released, aptly, on 16 June this year on the ever-amazing Strut Records label.
