Luis Agudo - Afrosamba (Afrobrazilian jazz&drums, 1984)

(VPA 172).

Luis Agudo (1940-) is an Argentinian percussionist who developed an unique style based on brazilian and african drums and rhythms. He's a real rhythmic explorer, building his own percussions. This led him to play worldwide for many jazz musicians (Baden Powell, Dizzy Gillespie, Elvin Jones, Junior Cook...).

This record is a solo recording realized in Italia (original press from Red Records) where he shows his wide variety of sounds, rhythms and effects.

Sharing Heritage (Original roots voodoo music from Haiti)

(Center for African Studies, Haiti).

It is a well documented fact that the Dahomeans participated in the slave trade only as a measure of "self defense"... But they had sworn among themselves never to sell anyone from their ethnic group (the Aja people).

Unfortunately towards the end of the 18th century, a "crazy man" named Agongolo seized power in Dahomey : he violated the oath of the Aja, and he sold even his own parents into slavery. In 1806, 4000 Dahomeans of royal blood who fell victim to the heinous act of Agongolo, landed in Haiti. Henry Christophe, King of Haiti had "bought" them from an English trader... Once in Haiti, these Dahomeans were set free. They were entrusted with the upkeep of the affairs of the Court of the King Henry. When King Henry died, they followed their leader Alluda Mugnon into the Artibonite Valley. There they founded their own village...

This recording is the first recording ever of the religious Vodu practices of these people. (Liner notes)

Kossou Houechehoun et son Groupe Folklorique Guê (Benin, 70s)

(PALP 002).

This folkloric music comes from Mina people (South of Benin and Togo) which have a very rich musical heritage.

Gansou Nestor et son groupe folklorique de Tchingounme (Benin, 70s)

(Ets PHILI D'OR AZP003).

Initially a sacred rhythm played to put the curse aside after a death, "Tchinkoumé" became a popular celebratory music from Savalou region (in Benin, just north from the coastal areas when the hills begin).

Avohou Pierre & Orchestre Picoby Band (Sato music from Benin, 70s)

(ESD 029)

Sato is a traditional vodun rhythm from Benin, and has been one inspiration to modernize beninese urban music from the 70s. Here's an early (and scratchy) example with Orchestre Picoby Band, produced between 1972 and 1975, and pressed at Satel local plant.

(GMR is the Revolutionary Military Governement created in 72 by M. Kerekou during transition to marxist-leninist regime imposed in 74).

Lobo y Melon (Afrocuban jazz in Mexico, 60s)

(RCA CAMDEN 102-23106).

Here's a Mexican band created in the late 50s and composed by the drummer Carlos Daniel Navarro Pulido (Lobo) and the singer Luis Angel Silva Nava (Melon). Their first LP (early 60s) is representative of the various caribbean influences in during the 60s (cuban orchestras, US latin jazz, african drums... ), as many musicians from the region were playing in Acapulco or Mexico.

MIX /// Muzzicaltrips back from Benin (45rpm selection, 70s)

Just to share some freshly found 45s from Benin.

...El Rego, L.A. Aux Ecoutes, Polydisco, Mélomé Clément, Poly-Rythmo, African Songs, Picoby Band, nagra sessions, african scream contest, afro beat, jerk fon...

Enjoy!

Ray Stephen Oche and his Matumbo - Interpretation of the Original Rythm (Afrojazz from Nigeria, 1970)

(ESP 155 501).

His African Name Owoicho Oche means: "God is the King".