Gangbé Brass Band - Whendo (2004)

For their third outing, Benin's Gangbé Brass Band cast their net ever wider. Of course, there's the traditional sound, mixed with jazz, but this time it's from the music of New Orleans through to be bop, all played with consummate skill and fun, all grounded by some wonderful percussion, including plenty of stuttering talking drum. It's also a political record, lyrically concerned with Africa, its poverty and wars. But they also find much to celebrate, delving into an interesting take on Afro-beat with "Remember Fela," which also shows good familiarity with high-life music and the juju style of King Sunny Ade. More than ever before, this is where the pieces, both African and American, come together. The soloing is more confident, and everything crisper, while the percussion has become a more important factor. This is a band that's really found itself, with gusto and pleasure.

© Chris Nickson

Tracklist:
1-1 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Noubioto [3:44]
1-2 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Oblemou [6:14]
1-3 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Remember Fela [4:24]
1-4 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Yemonoho [5:03]
1-5 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Johodo [5:33]
1-6 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Awhan-Ho [3:22]
1-7 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Gbedji [4:50]
1-8 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Jesu Ohun [3:44]
1-9 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Segala [4:31]
1-10 Gangbé Brass Band;Gangbé Brass Band - Glessi [5:01]