Barrabas - Wild Safari (Afro Soul) - Orig French release 12" VInyl LP Album

  Fernando ArbeX pulled together 5 fellow musicians to form his own band later that year. At its formation, Barrabas was Tito Duarte, Miguel Morales, Ricky Morales, Ignacio Egana, and Joao Vidal. (Members changed occasionally; the most significant change occurred when vocalist Jose Luis Tejada was added to the lineup.) They spent two years refining their sound. A sound that was rich in funk and psychedelic rock, jazz and even disco. Their first album released in the U.S. was 1972's "Wild Safari" it spawned the radio hit "Woman."

 

The cover features a photograph of an African safari scene with the band's name and the album title in bold letters. However, the specific designer or photographer responsible for the cover has not been credited.

Album Description:  

Barrabas, a Spanish band formed in the early 1970s, is known for its unique blend of rock, funk, and soul music. Their 1972 LP album "Wild Safari" is considered a classic and remains popular among music lovers today.

Barrabas was formed in 1971 by a group of musicians in Madrid, Spain. The band's members included Jose Luiz Tejada (vocals), Miguel Morales (bass guitar), Ricky Morales (drums), Antonio "Dudu" Vazquez (percussion), and Juan Vidal (guitar). Their sound was influenced by American funk and soul music, and they quickly gained popularity in Spain.

In 1972, Barrabas released their first LP album, "Wild Safari." The album was recorded in London and produced by Fernando Arbex, who had previously worked with the Spanish group Los Bravos. The album's title and cover art were inspired by the band's fascination with African wildlife, and this theme is reflected throughout the music.

"Wild Safari" is a concept album that tells the story of an African safari. The album's opening track, "Wild Safari," sets the tone with its driving beat, funky bassline, and African-inspired percussion. The following tracks, such as "Try and Try" and "Never in This World," continue this theme with lyrics that evoke the thrill of the hunt and the danger of the wild.

"Wild Safari" was a critical and commercial success upon its release, both in Spain and internationally. The album's fusion of funk, soul, and rock music was innovative for its time and has influenced generations of musicians since. The album's use of African rhythms and percussion was also ahead of its time and foreshadowed the rise of world music in the decades to come.

Music Genre:

  Disco, Afro Soul Music 

Album:

  Produced by Fernando Arbex

Record Label:

  RCA Victor 443.043 3G2VPS 2.009

Record Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Record 165 grams vinyl

Year & Country:

  1972 Made in France
Track Listing of: Barrabas Wild Safari (Afro Soul)
    Side One:
  1. Wild Safari
  2. Try and Try
  3. Only for Men
  4. Never in this World
    Side Two:
  1. Woman
  2. Cheer Up
  3. Rock and Roll Everybody
  4. Chicco
Album cover photos of : Barrabas Wild Safari (Afro Soul)
High Resolution Photo #10 barrabas wild safari

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
Photo of Album's Back Cover  

High Resolution Photo #11 barrabas wild safari

 

High Resolution Photo #12 barrabas wild safari  
Index of BARRABAS Featured Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

  Barrabás was actually a Spanish band formed in Madrid in the early 1970s. The band was one of the leading acts of the Spanish progressive and hard rock scene, and they achieved significant success both nationally and internationally.

  Barrabás's music was heavily influenced by American funk and soul, as well as by European progressive rock and hard rock. Their sound was characterized by its heavy grooves, driving basslines, and powerful horns, and they were known for their energetic and danceable live performances.

  One of the key factors in Barrabás's success was their innovative approach to music. The band was not afraid to experiment with new sounds and styles, and they constantly pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the Spanish rock scene. Their willingness to take risks and explore new musical avenues earned them a reputation as one of the most creative and adventurous bands of their time.

  Barrabás released several albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and they achieved significant commercial success both in Spain and abroad. They were particularly popular in Latin America, where they developed a large and dedicated following among fans of progressive and hard rock.

  Today, Barrabás is remembered as one of the pioneering bands of the Spanish progressive and hard rock scene. Their innovative and energetic music continues to influence new generations of musicians, and their legacy as one of the greatest Spanish rock bands of all time remains intact.