Roswell Rudd in Africa

[slide_advantage_redoux]

Roswell Rudd just sent me a cd burn of a band that he spent some time with when he was in Africa. It is not the same band that he recorded with (Malicool). His notes aren't specific enough to determine what country, although I suspect it may still be Mali.

This stuff is great....reminds me of Mexican pacific coast brass band music in a way, yet with African percussion. 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, tenor sax and many percussionists. Great compositions and fantastic musicianship.

The band is essentially a family run operation. Their family name (I hope I am deciphering Roswell's handwriting correctly) is "Ahouandjinon". I have to believe that they have recorded commercially before; they are that tight and professional.

On a couple tracks Roswell joins them for a rooftop rehearsal (which at one point is momentarily interrupted by roars from the local stadium football crowd as they reigned victorious over the Nigerian team!)

I hope that he is able to "officially" record with them.

I like this direction he has been taking. Very fresh.

Update...google solved the mystery. The band is from Benin, and is called the Gangbe Brass Band. They do have CDs out. The one Roswell sent me is called "Whendo". His bonus tracks are the rooftop rehearsal.

Edited April 1, 2005 by slide_advantage_redoux

[king ubu]

Sounds good! I love MaliCOOL! Please keep us updated if something will be released!