samedi 31 décembre 2016

Melome Clement et Le Tout Puissant Poly Rythmo - Zo Tche Kpo Dote (Benin, 1979, Disques Tropiques)



Another wicked track from Benin by the very well known almighty Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou, conducted by Melome Clement !

This afro disco track is taken from an album out in 1979 on the SATEL record label to celebrate the 11 years of the band (their first recordings were made in 1968 !), hope you will like it !

Melome Clement et Le Tout Puissant Poly Rythmo - Zo Tche Kpo Dote




Happy New Year, all the best for 2017 !

Armand

dimanche 11 décembre 2016

Alain Peters - Caloubadia (La Reunion, 1981)


Alain Peters - Caloubadia



 

Alain Peters was a poet and a musician, born the 10 of March 1952 in the city of Saint Denis (La Reunion island).

Playing guitar since he was 13 years old, he truly began his musical career in the 70's, playing rock and pop music in several bands in La Reunion, including Carroussel (you can go here for more informations on this band), but was particularly known through his contribution to the Maloya musical scene (a traditional musical genre from La Reunion, as the Sega style), which he was one of the most prominent figures and strongest supporter.

Accursed poet and misunderstood musician during his life, he died the 12 of July 1995 in the streets of Saint Paul (La Reunion island) of an heart disease, from drinking too much and singing misery.

He released one album and a few 7 inches.

Have a nice sunday,

Armand

mardi 1 novembre 2016

Les Cheveux Crepus - Pere Eternel Mette Moin En Haut (Congo, 1960's, Fidsound)



Founded in Brazzaville (Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1960 by Jacques Loubelo, Les Cheveux Crepus was a Christian Afro Folk band composed by Jacques Loubelo, Prosper Nkouri, Kinouani Kazis, Maxime Kibongui, May Yarkos and Bruno Ntelassamou.

The track presented here, "Pere Eternel Mette Moin En Haut" is taken from their first LP - Enjoy !

Les Cheveux Crepus - Pere Eternel Mette Moin En Haut




Have a nice day,

Armand

dimanche 30 octobre 2016

Orchestre National du Congo - Ah ! Congo (Congo, 1976, Editions Nationales)



L'Orchestre National du Congo was a band from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, founded in 1975 by Sebastien Bikouta.

They recorded this album in 1976, with the help of the Congolese Ministry of Culture.

I decided to make you (re)discover the track "Ah ! Congo", a splendid now classic afro funk track (I really advise you this record, plenty of beautiful tracks !).

Orchestre National du Congo - Ah ! Congo




Have a nice sunday evening,

Armand

dimanche 23 octobre 2016

Jerry Boifraind - Natto Messiah (Armand De Preseau edit) (Nigeria, 1981, Clover Recording Organization)



Hi everyone !

Here is a short edit I did on one of my favourite songs from the most funky reverend from Nigeria, Mr. Jerry Boifraind !

He relased a few LP's back in the end of the 70's / early 80's before giving his entire life to his church - enjoy !

Reverend Jerry Boifraind - Natto Messiah (Armand De Preseau edit)




Have a nice day,

Armand

lundi 17 octobre 2016

Tina - Mulembuami (Gabon, 1976, Pathe Marconi)



Obscure beautiful folk track from Gabon, by a singer who seems to have released only this track, no more infos.. Enjoy !

Tina - Mulembuami



 

Have a nice evening,

Armand

mardi 11 octobre 2016

Carrousel - Taxi Brousse (La Reunion, 1982, Editions Reunion Ocean Indien)



Carrousel was a band from La Reunion island, founded by Alain "Loy" Ehrlich, a close friend of the musician and poet from Reunion Alain Peters, in the early 80's.

The band performed around 4 years, recorded their one and only album "La Vie Est Un Mystere" in 1982, splited and made a short come back in 1994.

It was composed by :

Alain "Loy" Ehrlich : Synths, Flute and Bass Guitar
Bigoun : Drums
Teddy Baptiste : Guitar
Kiki Mariapin : Bass Guitar and Vocals
Alain Peters : Bass Guitar (only for a short time)
Joel Gonthier : Percussion and Vocals
Jean-Claude Viadere : Caiambe and Vocals
Tot : Saxophone
Bruno Le Flanchec : Brass
Marc Blancher : Brass
François, Elise and Sabine : Chorus

"Taxi Brousse", the track presented here, could be the Indian Ocean reply to the very well known "Shaft" theme - Enjoy !

Carrousel - Taxi Brousse




All the best,

Armand

lundi 10 octobre 2016

Orchestre du Jardin de Guinee - J.R.D.A. (Guinea Conakry, 1967, Editions Syliphone Conakry)



L'Orchestre du Jardin de Guinee, leaded by Balla Onivogu, was formed in 1962, when the Government of Guinee splited the Orchestre National into smaller bands. 

The band used to play at the Jardin de Guinee in Conakry, and this album is the only one they recorded, out in 1967. 

Later, the band change its name for "Balla et ses Balladins", and recorded several albums and singles, and became one of Guinea's major orchestras.

I wanted to make you discover "J. R. D. A.", a splendid melancholic Afro Latin track - Enjoy !

Orchestre du Jardin de Guinee - J. R. D. A.



 

Best regards,

Armand

(I have a copy of this 50 years ago rare record for sale if you want !)

dimanche 9 octobre 2016

Erick Cosaque - Joue Zizipan (Guadeloupe, 1978, Yola Production)



For this beautiful sunday, I decided to share with you "Joue Zizipan", a not very well known track from Eric Cosaque, one of my favourite musicians from the Guadeloupe island, mixing perfectly elements of Gwo Ka, Jazz, Soul and Latin music - enjoy !!

Erick Cosaque - Joue Zizipan




Take care,

Armand

dimanche 28 août 2016

Okyerema Asante - Sabi (Ghana, 1980, Atumpan records)



Isaac Okyerema Asante was a Percussionist, born the 16th of June 1949 in Koforidua (Ghana).
He recorded a few albums in Ghana and in the United States, and was a member of the famous "Oneness of Juju band", that did many concerts in America.
I decided to make you discover "Sabi", a 14min long Afro Boogie track on which Okyerema plays the drums and sings - enjoy !

Okyerema Asante - Sabi




Have a nice sunday evening,

Armand

jeudi 25 août 2016

Mamo Lagbema - Raogo (Togo, 197?, Editions Fazao)



Following to that post, I wanted to present you another song from Mamo Lagbema, an artist from Togo who I really like.

"Raogo", the song presented here, is an amazing fusion Afro fusion track with beautiful horns is taken from his second LP - Enjoy !!

Mamo Lagbema - Raogo




See you soon, 

Armand

mercredi 24 août 2016

Gerard Nerplat - Prix A Pain La (Guadeloupe, 197?, Univers Disques)



Gerard Nerplat is a singer and composer from the French Guadeloupe island who released a few records since the 70's, full of spiritual biguines and Gwoka tracks. He's accompanied on his albums by his brother Michel Nerplat on the Saxophone.

Although he released a few albums, he is one of my favourite Guadeloupean artists. I decided to present you "Prix A Pain La", a deep spiritual Gwoka biguine masterpiece that criticizes the cost of living increase in Guadeloupe.

Gerard Nerplat - Prix A Pain La




Best Regards,

Armand

lundi 15 août 2016

Segun Bucknor's Revolution - Who Say I Tire (Nigeria, 1972, Polydor Nigeria)



Small update today, with this devastating early 70's Afrobeat single from the Nigerian musican Segun Bucknor !

Segun Bucknor's Revolution - Who Say I Tire
 



Sincerely yours,

Armand

dimanche 24 juillet 2016

Mary Afi Usuah - Tenkim Kpoho (Nigeria, 1978, Clover Sound)



Following to this article, I decided to present you "Tenkim Kpoho", an afro soul track the second album from the Nigerian Diva Mary Afi Usuah, out in 1978 on the "Clover Sound" record label and backed by the afro funk band "Akwassa".

Mary Afi Uuah - Tenkim Kpoho




Have a nice sunday evening,

Armand

vendredi 15 juillet 2016

Syphax - Thamghra (Algeria, 1978, World Music)



Syphax was founded by Samir Chabane and Madi Mahdi, former members of the Abranis well known kabyle Rock band (more info on Abranis here). It was composed by :

Samy Syphax : Guitar, lead vocals
Makhlouf Ait Ouamara : Guitar, vocals
Samir Chabane : Drums, vocals
Madi Mahdi : Bass, vocals

The song prestented here, Thamghra, is taken from their one and only album, released in 1978 !

Syphax - Thamghra




Regards,

Armand

dimanche 10 juillet 2016

Synchro Rhythmic Eclectic Language - Pasto (France, 1976, Moshe-Naim)



Initially founded by Eddy Gaumont, a drummer, back in the 70's, "Synchro Rhythmic Eclectic Language" was French Spiritual Jazz formation (Antilles influenced) composed of several great Jazz musicians.

After the tragic death of the young Eddy Gaumont, the bass player Louis Xavier took the lead of the band, composed on "Lambi", the album presented here by :

- Louis Xavier : Bass
- Georges Edouard Nouel : Piano / Organ
- Jean Yves Rigaud : Violin
- Gerard Curbillon : Guitar
- Gerard Philadelphe : Vocals
- Jo Maka : Saxophone
- Saint Yves Dolpin : Percussions
- Steve Mac Call : Drums
- Franck Valmont : Vocals

I decided to make you discover one song, "Pasto", surname of Georges Pastel, a jazz percussionist who played for a long time with the band.

Synchro Rhythmic Eclectic Language - Pasto




Have a nice sunday,

Armand

mardi 5 juillet 2016

MBT's - MBT's Sound (Congo, 1970's, MB Sound)



Devastating Afrobeat track from this super obscure band who released only this 7inches on a private record label, I have no info on this band, just that they are apparently from Congo.. But what a track !

M.B.T's - M.B.T.'s Sound



 

Best regards,

Armand

dimanche 3 juillet 2016

Daniel Martin et l'Orchestre El Rego et Ses Commandos de Cotonou - Dignovy Din Ton Le (Benin, 1970s, Ets Aux Ecoutes)



Another obscure Beninese singer backed by El Rego et ses Commandos, it seems that Martin Daniel only sang on the two tracks of this 7inches, out in the early 70's on the "Etablissement Aux Ecoutes" record label.

I have the pleasure to make you discover the track on the A Side, a very beautiful melancholic folk and deep hypnotic track with beautiful guitar solos ! 

 Martin Daniel et l'Orchestre El Rego de Cotonou - Dignovy Din Ton Le



 

See you soon, I'm preparing the next selection, surprising one !

Stay tuned,

Armand


dimanche 26 juin 2016

Siagbo Dieudonne Eddie and El Rego and his Commandos - Nounangnon (Benin, 1970s, Editions Eddie)

 

Dieudonne Eddie Siagbo, originally from Benin, was an obscure singer who recorded only this 7inches (as far as I know).

What is unusal is that he's backed on those songs by the Beninese muscial King El Rego and his Commandos, major asset of the song that I present here (indeed, when you listen to the voice of Eddie, you understand why he didnt record others 7 inches..), listen to that organ !

Siagbo Dieudonne Eddie et Martine Blanchelle - Nounangnon




Sincerely yours,

Armand

lundi 16 mai 2016

Tidiani Kone Et le T.P. Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou - Djanfa Magni (Benin, 1977, Albarika Store)



Another hit Afrobeat / Soukouss track by Le Tout Puissant Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou !!

Horns are played by the Malian musician Tidiani Kone, the bandleader, founder and member of l'Orchestre Super Rail Band du Buffet Hotel Del La Gare De Bamako (Mali), it explains the similarities in the trumpet playing between this track and "Mouo Dilo", by the Super Rail Band.

The title of this awesome track, "Djanfa Magni", can be translated in those words : "Betrayal isn't good" - undoubtedly true, right ?

Tidiani Kone Et le T.P. Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou - Djanfa Magni





Orchestre Super Rail Band du Buffet Hotel Del La Gare De Bamako - Mouo Dilo




See you soon,

Armand


For Marcel

dimanche 8 mai 2016

Rick Asikpo - Feel Fine (Nigeria, 1982, Cross Waves)



Rick asikpo was an obscure Nigerian musician (Vocalist, Guitar and Piano player) who recorded a few albums (you can count them on one hand !) on his own private record label "Crosswaves", full of Afro Fusion tracks.

I decided to make you discover "Feel Fine", a cool Afro Pop / Fusion track taken from my favourite album, "God's Gift" !

Rick Asikpo - Feel Fine




Take care,

Armand

dimanche 1 mai 2016

The Lijadu Sisters - Amebo (Nigeria, 1976, Afrodisia)



Originated from Ibadan (Nigeria), Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu are two identical twin sisters who where very prolific from the 1960s to the 1980s in the Nigerian musical scene.

They recorded 5 albums and a few 7 inches, and were also famous in the United States, made several concert there and in Europe and are now living in New York.
I decided to make you discover one track, "Amebo", a slow psych afro rock / reggae track taken from their 2nd LP (my favourite, full of winner tracks !), recorded in 1976 !

The Lijadu Sisters - Amebo




Have a really nice sunday evening,

Armand

mercredi 27 avril 2016

Orchestre du Bawobab - Kelen Ati Len (Senegal, 1975, Buur disques records)



Percussive classic funky track from 1975 by one of the most famous band from Senegal, from the 4th album of the band !!!


Orchestre du Bawobab - Kelen Ati Len




Sincerely yours, 

Armand

lundi 25 avril 2016

Cisse Abdoulaye - A Son Magni (Burkina Faso, CVD, 1975)



Cisse Abdoulaye was a guitarist born on the 5 of June 1948 in Sani, part of the Dafing country, Upper Volta (Burkina Faso).

Playing guitar since his chikdhood, he recorded one and only album, and a few 7 inches.

The track presented here, "A Son Magni", is taken from his second single, out in 1975 on the great "Compagnie Voltaique du Disque" record label, and is backed by the great Orchestre Super Volta de la Capitale !

Cisse Abdoulaye et l'Orchestre Super Volta de la Capitale - A Son Magni




Best regards, 

Armand

mardi 12 avril 2016

Eddy Pollo - Money (Nigeria, 1978, EMI NIGERIA)



Nee Quaison-Sackey was a Nigerian studio guitarist, who played on many albums between the 70's and the 80's.

He played for Tony Grey, Manu Dibango, Christy Essien, Melvin Ukachi and many other artists.

The song I want to present you today, Money, is taken from is one and only album, released in 1978 on the mythical EMI NIGERIA record label, and engineered by, as always on the good NEMI albums, Kayode Salami and Monday Oki.

You'll notice the typical moving bass playing style of the great Kenneth "Kenny" Okulolo on the track !

Eddy Pollo - Money




Best regards,

Armand

samedi 2 avril 2016

Colomach - Sweet Sounds From Colomachi (Nigeria, 1974, EMI NIGERIA)

 

Out in 1974 on the mythical "EMI Nigeria" record label, this album is the one-and-only from the band Colomach, led by the Togolese Gneni Mamadou.

This is one of my favourite Nigerian albums, because this band didn't try to copy American Funk ; it includes 10 tracks from very different musical genres, from deep traditionnal Sahel sounds to Fuzzy Zambian Afro Rock Style !!

I decided to present you my favourite track from the album, may you bewitched by this beautiful Sahelian flute !

Colomach - Sweet Sounds From Colomachi




Best Regards, 

Armand

dimanche 27 mars 2016

New Selection - El Salsero (Gnonnas Pedro, The King Of Benin)

 

Gnonnas Sousou Pierre Kwasivi was born on the 10 of January 1943 in Cotonou, Benin.

Singing and playing music since his childhood, Gnonnas Pedro became in the 60's one of the Beninese musical Kings (among with L'Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou, Antoine Dougbe, Honore Avolonto or El Rego), and never stopped to play music beyond.

He led his own band in the 60's, "Pedro y Sus Sanchos", that later became "Gnonnas Pedro et ses Dadjes".

Lover of the French language, he was strongly influenced by the French singer Charles Aznavour (he even recorded a cover of Aznavour's song "Les Comediens" !).

From the 90's to 2004, he was the singer of the interplanetary known Afro cuban band "Africando", grouping of African Legends such as Boncana Maiga, Amadou Balake, Thione Seck, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Ismael Lo, Salif Keita or Koffi Olomide.

Known as "The man that speaks all African languages", Pedro embraced many musical styles, including afrobeat, highlife, salsa, pachanga, juju or "Modern Agbadja" (an update og the traditional style of his home region, Lokassa).

Many of the tracks he composed are still big hits today, such as "Yiri Yiri Boum" (Afro Cuban Anthem) or "Von O Von Non" (Hymn of the Togolese national football team).

He died the 12 of August 2004, at the age in Cotonou, Benin.

Armand de Preseau - El Salsero



You can download this selection right here ("right clic, save as").

TRACKLIST :

1 - Pas De Petard
2 - Dadjê Von O Von Non (80's version)
3 - I Feel Good
4 - How Much Love Naturally Cost
5 - Adigbedoto
6 - Yiri Yiri Bom
7 - Dadjê Von O Von Non (70's version)
8 - La Musica En Verite
9 - Tu Es Tout Seul
10 - La Crocatuba
11 - Bon Anniversaire
12 - Finis Les Paves

I tried to present you all different genre played by Gnonnas, don't hesitate to tell me if you enjoyed this selection !

Best regards,

Armand

This selection is dedicated to Jean, my cousin, who with we listened Gnonnas albums again and again and again. Miss you and think about you everyday, my little brother..

samedi 12 mars 2016

African Brothers Band International - Self Reliance (Ghana, 197?, Anopa Nsonoma)

 

African Brothers Band (renamed to African Brothers International Band in 1973) was one of the most profilic band of Ghana, formed in 1963.

The band was led by Nana Kwame Ampadu, and was composed by some great figures of the Ghanaian music, such as Joe Mensah, Paul Sagoe, Kofi Amoah or Eddie Donkor.

The track I want to present to you here is taken from my favourite album of the band, with an amazing cover !

African Brothers Band International - Self Reliance




Regards, 

Armand

samedi 5 mars 2016

Les Abranis - Chenar Le Blues (Algeria, 1977, Disques Bordj El Phen)

 

Originated from Algerian Kabylie (Algeria), "Les Abranis" was one of the first Rock band from Algeria.

The group was founded in 1967 by Sid Mohand Tahar, aka Karim Abranis, singer and bassist, and was originally composed by :

- Karim Abranis : Singer, Bass
- Samir Chabane - Singer
- Madi Mahdi : Guitar
- Shamy El Baz : Organ

The group splitted in 1975, and Samir and Madi founded another Algerian band.

Recorded in 1977, the track presented here, "Chenar Le Blues", is my favourite from the band, splendid Fuzzy Rock ballad sung in Arab, with good organ and drums parts !

Les Abranis - Chenar Le Blues




Best regards,

Armand

lundi 29 février 2016

Mamo Lagbema - Sind N'Bassa (Togo, 197?, Disques CVD)

 

Another storming single from the famous Togolese singer Mamo Lagbema (you can check here for another great single), percussive drums and funky saturated electric guitars !

Mamo Lagbema - Sind N'Bassa




All the best,

Armand

dimanche 28 février 2016

New Selection - A Night At Ammar El Sheriyi's Mansion (meeting with the legendary Egyptian blind organist)

 

For my 31th selection, I decided to make you travel into the Egypt of the 70's, with a very special tribute to Ammar El Sheriyi, a blind organist famous for the covers he made of songs from legendary Egyptian musicians, such as Abdel Halim Hafez or Mohammed Abdel Wahab.

Hope you'll like it, don't hesitate to leave some comments !!

Armand de Preseau - A Night At Ammar El Sheriyi's Mansion



 

You can download this new selection right here (as usual, right clic, "save as").

Tracklist :

1 - Gafnoho
2 - Heya Di Heya
3 - Eldonya Helwa
4 - Day El Kanadil
5 - Eh Zambi

See you very very soon,

Armand

Dossia Dassaboute - Le Message (Benin, 1970, Disques Tropiques)

 

Composed in 1970 in one night only, "Le Message" is the first song from Dossia Pierre Dassaboute, one of my favourite Beninese musician, acoustic guitar player, politician and writter.

This song comes from one of the earlier records of the "Disques Tropiques" record label from Benin.

At the time, Dossia wrote this track for his ex girlfriend, "Aminata", who was cheating on him.

This song became his most popular song, and Dossia released after that two albums, one in 2004 and another one in 2012.

Dossia Dassaboute - Le Message




You can also listen to this track on my youtube channel here : https://youtu.be/b1XmsNz24lc

Sincerely sorry for the delay without articles, I had to prepare good surprises (new selections, articles..) to come !

Best regards

Armand

mardi 26 janvier 2016

Vincent Ahehehinou et l'Orchestre Poly Rythmo - Y a Pas Moyen (Benin, 197?, Albarika Store)

 

Super dope Voodoun Afrobeat track by Vincent Ahehehinnou and l'Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou, Benin, that we don't need to introduce you anymore !

Vincent Ahehehinnou et l'Orchestre Poly Rythmo - Y a Pas Moyen



 

Sincerely yours,

Armand

dimanche 17 janvier 2016

CK Mann Big Band - Fa Wakoma Mam (Ghana, 1976 , Essiebons)


C.K. Mann Big Band was one of the most popular and important Ghanaian band at the time, leaded by Charles Kofi Amankwaa Mann, who released many 7 inches and LP's from the 60's to the late 80's.

This album is my favourite, bringing together 4 outstanding talents : Oscar Sulley, Ebo Taylor, Papa Kofi Yankson and C.K. Mann).

I decided to make you discover my favourite track of the band, a melancholic Highlife ballad, "Fa Wakoma Band".

CK Mann Big Band - Fa Wakoma Mam




Have really nice Sunday evening,

Armand

mercredi 6 janvier 2016

Ahmed Malek - Hassan Terro (Algeria, 1978, Ministere de l'Information et de la Culture Algérienne)

 

Ahmed Malek, born in 1931 in Bordj El Kiffan (Algeria) was one of the most prolific Algerian musician and movie score composer.

He composed soundtracks for a dozen and dozen of movies (Les Vacances de l'Inspecteur Tahar, Omar Gatlato, Aziza..), of TV shows and documentaries.

He died in 2008 in Bordj El Kiffan.

I decided to make you discover one of my favourite tracks from him, composed in 1967 for the movie "Hassan Terro", directed by the film maker Mohamed Lakhdar Hamina.

You'll understand why Ahmed Malek was nicknammed "The Algerian Ennio Morricone" !

Ahmed Maled - Hassen Terro




This excellent compilation was recorded at Studios de la Radiodiffusion Télévision Algérienne.

As a big bonus, here is another track of this compilation !

Ahmed Malek - Mystery Track




Best regards,

Armand

This article is for you, Allaoua

mardi 5 janvier 2016

Dan Ian and his Spades - She's A Monarch (Nigeria, 1976, Go Gay Records)

 

Happy New Year to everyone !!! Wish you the best !!

It's been a long time without any articles but, now, I'm back for your ears only !

Let's begin this new year with a Nigerian living legend, Dan Ian !

Born in the village of Umuezeawala in the early 50's, Dan Ian Mbaezue is a guitarist and a singer, who began his musical career in the early 60's.

He played in many well known Nigerian bands, such as The Wings, Wrinkar Experience and with other big names (Sonny Okosun..).

He recorded many singles, and a few albums through the 70's and 3 LP's with his own band, Dan Ian Spades.

He still lives today in his village.

I decided to make you discover "She's a Monarch", one of the songs taken from of his third album, accompanied by The Friimen Musik Coy, a very cool Afro Rock track !! 

Dan Ian and his Spades - She's A Monarch




Best regards,

Armand