NEWS: Acid Jazz announce Les Symphatics de Porto Novo Benin (Vol. 2)Gigslutz

Acid Jazz announce the release of the latest instalment in their Albarika Store series: Les Symphatics de Porto Novo Benin (Vol. 2) out 23 June

Listen to ‘Ego-Ibo’:

Over the past few years Acid Jazz has been reissuing rare and exciting records from the legendary Benin label ‘Albarika Store’, a goldmine in Afro cuts from Benin, West Africa.

Next in the series is ‘Les Symphatics de Porto Novo Benin (Vol. 2)’, the second album from another of Porto Novo’s premier groups from the 1970s, founded by former Herman Laleye – former leader of other Benin greats, Black Dragons de Porto Novo.

The heavy rhythm section of the Laleye brothers (Herman on bass and Marc on drums) supports the vocals of Gangbo Bonheur (with backing from Herman and Jean-Louis Avognon), alongside Armand Pognon’s blues-edged guitar and Camille Zanou’s hypnotic organ. Unlike a lot of their contemporaries, Les Symphatics steer clear of straight Afro Beat, Afro-Funk or Afro Latin incursions, to create something truly unique in the Beninese musical canon.

Reissued in full for the very first time on high quality vinyl, with an incredible reproduction of the original sleeve, alongside a digital release on all platforms. A must have for African music enthusiasts.

Tracklist: