Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo de Cotonou The Vodoun Effect cd

cd
2008/1972-75
In the turbulent years of Marxist government, Cotonou was home to a bustling melting pot of Ghanian highlife, French cabaret, American funk, Congolese rhumba, & the ritual rhythms of Vodoun (the principal traditional religion in Benin, thought to be the cradle of versions in Haiti & elsewhere). Orchestre Poly Rythmo was a successful enough band to have an official label, but they also made many gray area recordings, often just in someone's house during a party, with a tape recorder & single mike borrowed from the local radio station. Layers of smouldering organ & sinewy horn lines over funk guitar & tight trap drums, plus a couple of moments where people seem to be imitating chickens. 44 page glossy booklet loaded with pix. Tracklisting: Mi Hoeian Dadale, Assibavi, Se We Non Nan, Ako Ba Ho, Ni Mi Non Kpo, Se Tche Wa Djo Mon, Dis Moi La Verite, Nouessename, Iya Me Dji Ki Bi Ni, Akoue Tche We Gni Medjome, Nou De Ma Do Vo, Koutoulie, Kourougninda Wende, Mawa Mon Nou Mio.