Adika Pongo – Groovin’ Up! Hits 1997-2011 CD (Expansion)

ADIKA PONGO, one of the leading bands on the European and Italian Soul scene, have been grooving audiences since 1993, combining original songs with enticing cover versions of major funk/soul/disco hits. Careful listeners can trace elements in the ADIKA PONGO sound to fundamental music roots from the 70s and 80s, much like Incognito and The Sunburst Band, but Adika Pongo really has a style of its own that is guaranteed to get feet moving. “This band is absolutely amazing!” said Lionel Ritchie, after having performed with them in 2004.

Riding the wave of their success with live performances, Adika Pongo’s first CD comes out with us here at Expansion featuring songs first laid down in 1997, as well as new tracks recorded with their current lead vocalist Francy. Among the guest artists, a special mention goes to Norma Jean Wright and Luci Martin (ex vocalists of the remarkable band Chic), Robbie Dupree (nominated for Grammys and twice in the Top Ten on Billboard) and Steve Khan (known for his numerous solo projects and his work with Steely Dan, Weather Report, Brecker Brothers, Dianne Schuur, Donald Fagen et al).

Some songs are sung by Baruch “Darling” Chadwick, one of the first solo vocalists to perform with Adika Pongo, who unfortunately died prematurely in 2004.  Two songs on the new CD feature a duet with Francy and are a tribute to him. – Expansion