Volume Three – The Skeletal Essences of Afro Funk 1969-1980 (Analog Africa AACD 073CD, 2013)
The superb Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou from Benin has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest acts from West Africa in past decades. The analog label has been reissuing some of the best material by these masters of rhythm. The label released two compilations that were very well received, The Vodoun Effect (AACD 064CD/AALP 064LP, 2008) and Echos Hypnotiques (AACD 066CD/AALP 066LP, 2009). Now we get a third compilation with rare material that will please the band’s increasing number of fans.
The 14 tracks featured in Volume Three – The Skeletal Essences of Afro Funk 1969-1980 have never been released outside of Africa. Some of the songs were recorded using a legendary piece of equipment — a Swiss-made Nagra reel-to-reel recorder and one or two microphones, in private houses or open-air gardens, mostly at night.
Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou included ardent horns , captivating organ and guitar solos, and a vibrant rhythm section: legendary bass player Gustave Bentho and skilled drummer Leopold Yehouessi. The group played a mixture of funk, soul, psychedelia, African roots and Congolese rumba
Volume Three – The Skeletal Essences of Afro Funk 1969-1980 includes a 44-page booklet.
Watch Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou perform “Houzou Houzou Wa”:
Volume Three – The Skeletal Essences of Afro Funk 1969-1980 captures the passionate songs of one of the finest bands that has come out of Benin.
Buy Volume Three – The Skeletal Essences of Afro Funk 1969-1980
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
