Recorded in 1975 and 1977, Jealousy and Progress were the first two records Tony Allen released under his own name. He served as composer and arranger, with Fela producing and sharing arrangement credits. Although Fela's presence (on sax and occasional vocals) lends some potency to the music, in general it is not very emotionally charged. "Jealousy" is a light jam with exciting, pulsating bass drum kicks; it is followed by the more earnest "Hustler," whose riff closely resembles Fela's "Don't Worry About My Mouth O (African Message)." "Progress" opens the second album with an intense groove and an emphatic cry for progress, which is balanced by the dark yet perky "Afro Disco Beat." Probably, most listeners will eventually view this music as little more than an interesting supplement to Fela's catalog, but it certainly stands on its own merits. ~ Jim Smith|

Rovi