Mombasa -

Mombasa was an Afro-jazz/funk band that released three albums on Spiegelei between 1975 and 1979, followed by two further albums circa 1980/81 on Wind and Pläne. The band was formed by German-based American trumpeter Lou Blackburn.

Members: Lou Blackburn, Doug Lucas, Bob Reed, Don Ridgeway, Alan Tatham

Mombasa was formed in 1973 in Berlin by American trumpeter Lou Blackburn, whose recent stay in Africa fueled his love for ethno-jazz.

African Rhythms & Blues

Mombasa released their debut album, African Rhythms & Blues, in 1975 on Spiegelei.

A1. “Nairobi” (7:26)
A2. “Massai” (7:56)
A3. “Holz” (4:17)

B1. “Kenia” (6:42)
B2. “Makishi” (2:32)
B3. “Shango” (7:45)

Recorded at Cornet Studio Köln, April 14, 1975

Lou Blackburn – trombone, composition
Charles Jefferson – trumpet, flugelhorn, kalimba
Gerald Luciano – bass, percussion, drums
Donald Coleman – congas, bamboo flute, composition
Cephus McGirt – drums

2: African Rhythms & Blues

Mombasa released their second album, 2: African Rhythms & Blues, in 1976 on Intercord.

A1. “Yenyeri” (6:51)
A2. “Holz II” (5:31)
A3. “Shango II” (8:40)

B1. “Nomoli” (9:43)
B2. “African Hustle” (5:41)
B3. “Al Rahman” (4:48)

Recorded and mixed April / May, 1976 at the “Sound Studio Nedeltschev” in Cologne

Doug Lucas / trumpet
Bob Reed / percussion
Alan Tatham / drums
Don Ridgeway / electric bass
Lou Blackburn / trombone

Ode to Kalahari

Mombasa released their third album, Ode to Kalahari, in 1979 on Spiegelei.

A1. “Ode To Kalahari” (3:12)
A2. “Ima” (9:46)
A3. “Mutima” (2:22)
A4. “Saha” (4:22)

B1. “Beschwingt” (5:40)
B2. “Oasis” (2:53)
B3. “Tentakel” (7:33)
B4. “Report” (5:22)

Recorded at “Galgenberg Studios”, Schwabbach, Germany.
Engineer, Recorded By – Ewald Schumacher

Ed Wright / bass, percussion
Tom Nicholas / congas, percussion
Pierre Baynes / drums & percussion
Lou Blackburn / trombone, schalmei, percussion
Ambrose Jackson / trumpet, percussion

Bells [Cow Bell, Nicholas Bells], Agogô [African Agogo], Idiophone [Rhythm Stick], Shekere, Caxixi, Shaker [Hand Shakers], Wood Block, Claves, Talking Drum, Tambourine, Vibraslap

Artwork – Charles H. Hoellering
Photography By – Albrecht Reinhold

Tathagata

Mombasa released their fourth album, Tathagata, in 1980 on Wind Records.

A1. “Requiem for the Third World” (4:40)
A2. “Kumbayah” (3:32)
A3. “Devi Devi Den Beintu” (4:48)
A4. “Drums of Mombasa” (2:41)
A5. “Diana’s Venti” (1:55)

B1. “Call and Response” (4:53)
B2. “Tathagata” (2:18)
B3. “Zimbabwe” (5:30)
B4. “O’Bachulli” (2:22)

Ed Wright / bass
Tom Nicholas / congas, percussion
Darryl Wilson / congas, percussion, vocals
Donald Coleman / congas, percussion, vocals
Tony Nahar / drums & percussion
Lou Blackburn / trombone, vocals, percussion
Carmell Jones / trumpet, percussion

Peace Maker

Mombasa released their fifth album, Peace Maker, in 1981 on Plane.

A1. “Peace, Love and Harmony” (5:54)
A2. “Samahdi” (4:07)
A3. “Everything Is Possible” (3:52)
A4. “Peace Maker” (4:45)
A5. “Snake Dance” (6:19)

B1. “The Path” (5:36)
B2. “M-Zee” (9:13)
B3. “Klike” (7:04)

Ed Wright / bass
Tom Nicholas / congas, percussion
Charles Green / congas, percussion, vocals
Tom Nicholas / congas, percussion, vocals
Tony Nahar / drums & percussion
Lou Blackburn / trombone, vocals, percussion

Discography: