Orchestre Poly Rythmo, Barbican | reviews, news & interviews
Orchestre Poly Rythmo, Barbican
Orchestre Poly Rythmo, Barbican
Voodoo Funk hits the UK 40 years later
Monday, 28 September 2009
They played their first concert in 1969, and 40 years later the TP Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou, to give them their full name, had their UK debut last night at the Barbican as part of their first European tour. They are the latest expression of a growing cult of classic bands who hit their peak in 1970s Africa. The music of Nigeria’s Fela Kuti has never been more popular, strange jazz from 1970s Addis Ababa has been selling impressively on the Ethiopiques series of records, while Senegal’s Orchestre Baobab have reformed to great acclaim.
They played their first concert in 1969, and 40 years later the TP Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou, to give them their full name, had their UK debut last night at the Barbican as part of their first European tour. They are the latest expression of a growing cult of classic bands who hit their peak in 1970s Africa. The music of Nigeria’s Fela Kuti has never been more popular, strange jazz from 1970s Addis Ababa has been selling impressively on the Ethiopiques series of records, while Senegal’s Orchestre Baobab have reformed to great acclaim.
Subscribe to theartsdesk.com
Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.
To take a subscription now simply click here.
And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?
more New music
Album: Goat - Goat
Mysterious Scandinavians put on their dancing shoes
Album: Coldplay - Moon Music
Pop-rock mainstays 10th album is nauseatingly upbeat
10 Questions for Black String’s Youn Jeong Heo
K-Music special: The founder of Korea’s finest quartet discusses their intense and otherworldly music
Album: Caribou - Honey
Almost a quarter century in, the psychedelic indie-dance individualist still setting off fireworks
Album: The Smile - Cutouts
The trio's third album lacks the verve and intensity of 'Wall of Eyes'
Music Reissues Weekly: Why Don’t You Smile Now - Lou Reed at Pickwick Records 1964-65
Important collection focusing on the future Velvet Underground man’s period as a music business employee
Album: Lady Gaga - Harlequin
Surprise companion album to her new film is lively, enjoyable and in great voice
Album: Ezra Collective - Dance, No One’s Watching
A joyous celebration of dance
Album: Jaz Karis - Safe Flight
UK soul debut whose smooth surface conceals depth and complexity
Album: Van Morrison - New Arrangements and Duets
Van the Man starts to open up the vaults
Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve, Bristol Beacon review - so much more than a retread of the master's hits
A songwriter and entertainer in his prime
Frank Carter & the Sex Pistols, O2 Academy, Birmingham review - Reloaded Pistols are a shot in the arm
Original punks reignite with a new line up
Add comment