Plunky & Oneness of Juju - Made Through Ritual [Strut]

Tracklist:

A1. SHARETHIS LOVE 4.45
A2. MADETHROUGH RITUAL 3.13
A3. IN DUETIME 3.59
A4.FREE SPIRIT 3.52
B1. SHADES OFLIGHT 3.20
B2.FREEDOM’S CALL 3.52
B3. COSMIC DUST 4.46
B4. CHILDREN OFTHE DRUM 4.21

Strut presents the first international release in over 30 years from legendary afro-jazz outfit Oneness Of Juju with their new album Made Through Ritual.

In 1975, the late DJ, producer and jazz distributor Jimmy Gray and James “Plunky” Branch joined a music revolution by founding Black Fire Records and releasing the label’s debut album, Oneness of Juju’s classic African Rhythms. This July, Plunky brings that important musical relationship full circle with Made Through Ritual, produced by his son Jamiah “Fire” Branch and Jimmy’s son, Jamal Gray.

The album proposes a novel approach to beat culture. Working from demos created by Jamal using a selection of original jazz samples, Plunky picked up these foundations and reinterpreted the arrangements with live musicians. “The album explores the art of musical deconstruction and reconstruction – sampling, sequencing, and live improvisation merge with multi-track recording to create complex harmonies and arrangements,” explains Plunky. “The process became a ritualistic expression of creativity and transformation.”

The result is a fascinating album. It opens with the meditative chant Share This Love, performed by Oneness’ regular vocalist Charlayne “Chyp” Green, and unfolds into a series of jazzy vignettes such as the title piece, In Due Time, and Free Spirit. The powerful closer, Children Of The Drum, celebrates African American culture and legacy through the poetry of Roscoe Burnem.

Made Through Ritual is released on LP and CD formats, with specially commissioned artwork by contemporary Ivorian artist Maxime Manga. The album marks an important new chapter in Oneness’ story, and will be accompanied by a series of touring dates across Europe during Autumn and Winter 2025.