Ahead of the release of their self-titled LP Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band, Ghanaian highlife star Pat Thomas and the Kwame Yeboah and Ben Abarbanel-Wolff-led group Kwashibu Area Band premiere the album's feel-good song "Gyae Su." A rearrangement of Thomas' 1980s track of the same name, "Gyae Su" features fellow Ghanaian highlife icon and frequent collaborator Ebo Taylor's punchy horn arrangements. The song radiates summery warmth while displaying a deceptively straightforward and controlled combination of drum clasps and swaying guitars underneath Thomas' soft voice. According to the album's liner notes, the Kumasi-hailing Thomas sings "Don’t cry! Life has its ups and downs. Just take it easy and don’t shed any tears" as "Gyae Su" luminously expresses this idea. Pat Thomas' Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band album, which was recorded in Accra and features contributions from legendary afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, will drop June 16 on CD/LP/digital formats via Strut Records with hand-drawn artwork from London designer/illustrator Lewis Heriz and full-sleeve notes. There willll also be remixes released in conjunction with Absolut Vodka. Watch a short video of Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band 's recording sessions in Accra and listen to "Gyae Su" below.
