Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Vive L'amour (2024) [Hi-Res]

The group gleefully mixes Afrobeat with jazz grooves and harmonies. The band's dynamic, energetic live gigs have captivated audiences around the world – and gotten them dancing. Vocalist and percussionist Noël Saïzonou and guitarist Janne Halonen have led the band to four continents in 12 years, including performances at the Montreal Jazz Festival, Sunfest, ACC World Music Festival and Mundovivo, as well as Pori Jazz, World Village and the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival in Finland. The band has also played showcase appearances at WOMEX in 2018 and Mundial Montréal in 2022.

The album was recorded at Sonic Pump Studio in Helsinki, 360 Music Factory in Paris and Africa Sound City in Cotonou, Benin. The album's lyrical theme is love in its various forms. The first single is "Chanson á Grand Popo", a love song for the village on the Benin coast where the band was founded. Musically, Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble returns to its roots, blending traditional Beninese rhythms with Western and African-American harmonic and melodic ideas.

Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble:
Noël Saïzonou - Lead Vocals & Percussion
Janne Halonen - Guitar & Background Vocals
Sampo Riskilä - Bass
Juha Räsänen - Drums
Visa Oscar - Keyboards
Kasheshi Makena - Percussion & Background Vocals
Mikko Pettinen - Trumpet & Background Vocals
Joakim Berghäll - Saxophones & Background Vocals



Tracklist:
1-1. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Minton Minton (04:32)
1-2. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Homafa (03:41)
1-3. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Chanson A Grand Popo (04:59)
1-4. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Yedonawe Boyizan (04:15)
1-5. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Les Enfants (03:08)
1-6. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Zongbogo (08:17)
1-7. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Migbo (04:23)
1-8. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Fête des récoltes (04:28)
1-9. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble - Vive l'amour (04:52)