Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou – Min We Tun So
Ever since they started reissuing the music of Benin’s Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou, Analog Africa has gotten the world to recognize the wealth of talent on display from this group at their prime. As the reissues continue, now at Vol. 3, titled “Skeletal Essence of Afro-Funk,” our appreciation of this band only grows. Poly-Ryhtmo certainly deserves to be considered amongst the greatest bands Africa has produced and one of the most diverse in their approach to music. Though Poly-Rythmo could out funk just about anybody, the track that I found most alluring on this set is the slower, almost bluesy, definitely soulful “Min We Tun So.” Even though we’re just settling into all of the sounds on Vol. 3, I’m already looking forward to Volume 4 and beyond and even more musical discoveries and surprises from this jewel of a band.