Review: Clément Melome et L'International Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou Reworks Pts 1 & 2 (Canopy Records)

Orchestre Poly Rythmo classic afro gems reworked by Jose Marqez & Sol Power Sound on Canopy Records, what more could you want?

 

Canopy Records who you'll recall released Joi N' Juno's album 'Samemala' (see review HERE) have, dare I say it, gone the extra mile with this one as the world famous Melome Clement and L'International Orchestre Poly-Rythmo's track 'Zo Tche Kpo Do Te' gets the benefit of Sol Power All-Stars make over (they of 'Nyah Rock' - see review HERE and on 10 years of Rocksteady Disco - see review HERE).

The title translates as 'My Fire Will Not Go Out' and to make sure that doesn't happen, The Ibibo Horns (they of the Ibibo Sound Machine) join in and along with Scott Baylis (of The Ibibio Horns) synths they make it even hotter!

Hardly enough room for Jose Marquez' live bass and percussion on his 'Mezcla' that funks like a train.

Brilliant stuff that was orignally thought of as, what we'd now think of as politically incorrect, "Voodoo-disco", time to dig out Fela Kuti's 'Zombie' me thinks.

And, this follows last month's 'Unité Africaine' versions of Clément's band when they were called T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo.  Again split between a Jose Marquez remix (that sounds even more Benin than the original) and another brilliant Sol Power All-Stars Rework, this is sunshine music with a political message.

Artist:  Clément Melome et L'International Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou
Title:  Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou Reworks Pts 1 & 2 
Release date: 24th January, 2025

Label : Canopy Records
Format:  LP vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp