Pacific Express - Black Fire (1976)

Pacific Express's debut album Black Fire was recorded in October 1976 and pays passing reference to the struggle against apartheid. More often associated with themes not directly political the band were often called Cape Town's answer to Earth Wind and Fire. Formed in the 1960s by bass player Paul Abrahams and guitarist Issy Ariefdien (both previously in a soul band called the Pacifics), the band took on a new direction when in 1975 Chris Schilder joined.The band became a training ground for many young jazz performers from the Cape Flats. Players included Basil Coetzee, Robbie Jansen, Jonathan Butler, Barney Rachabane, Stompie Manana, and others. Previously at electricjive we have featured the album Expressions but we have yet to uncover their third LP On Time.


Pacific Express - Black Fire (EMCK (L) 11528
1. Brother
2. Feelings (Deep in Your Heart)
3. Sky Ride II
4. Heaven (I've Found in You)
5. Black Fire
6. You're Everything
7. Love Your Baby RIght
8. Wind Song
Bonus (Afrika Underground 12"):
9. The Way it Used to Be (Misa Negra mix)
10. The Way It Used to Be (Misa Beats)
11. The Way It Used to Be (Original)
12. Black Fire
Robbie Jansen (Trumpet, Alto Sax, Flute and Lead Vocals), Issy Ariefdien (Guitar and Vocals), Basil Manenberg Coetzee (Tenor Sax and Flute), Chris Schilder (Fender Rhodes electric piano(, Jack Mompie (Drums), Zane Adams (Lead Vocals and Percussion), Paul Abrahams (Bass Guitar and Vocals). Produced, arranged and composed by Chris Schilder.

Various CD anthologies of Pacific Express are available. Try here.

All aboard the Pacific Express

Cape Town's answer to Earth Wind and Fire with one of their sadly out of print LPs from the late seventies. They recorded three LPs - On Time, Expressions and Black Fire - which have been anthologised on two CD compilations put out by Mountain Records in Cape Town. The track "The Way It Used To Be" also appeared on the Africa Underground (Counterpoint Records) and African Disco (Nascente) compilations issued in Europe.

Pacific Express - Expressions (GULP903, 1979)

1. Look at the Smile

2. You've Got It All

3. Funky Sounds

4. Come True

5. Express

6. When I Think

7. What Is The Answer

8. Tired of Being Alone

9. What I Feel

10, She's Gone

Paul Abrahams (bass), Zayn Adams (vocals & percussion), Jonathan Butler (vocals & guitar), Tony Cedras (keyboards & trumpet), Jack Momple (drums & percussion). With guests: Barney Rachabane, Stompie Manana & Tully McCully. Recorded in Cape Town May-July 1979, produced by Tully McCully.