Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou Dahomey - Le Sato 1974

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou (sometimes prefaced with T.P. or Tout Puissant, French for "All Powerful") is a band from Cotonou, Benin, originally active from the 1960s to the 1980s and founded by singer-guitarist Mélomé Clément. They reformed in 2009 to international recognition. Their work has mixed styles such as funk, afrobeat, psychedelia, jazz and local voodoo influences. The Guardian called them "one of West Africa's best dance bands." 

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Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou Dahomey - Le Sato 1974

Acid Jazz Records' ongoing licensing agreement with legendary Benin label Albarika Store turns out another treasure here. This one shines a light on traditional voodoo ceremonial music from Orchestre Poly Rythmo De Cotonou Dahomey. It was rebased in 1974 as one of Albarika's earliest offerings and finds the band playing on a large ceremonial Sato drum, which is played with wooden stick beaters and reserved only for special ceremonial occasions. Full of traditional rhythms and ritualistic grooves, it's a deeply spiritual funk sound that cannot help but connect on a deep level.

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