The Gangbe Brass Band emerges from Benin, West Africa. in grand fashion with their latest effort, a progressive album entitled Whendo.

Comprised of seven horn players and three percussionists, Gangbe is a unique amalgamation of jazz and traditional music from their homeland of Benin. Throughout this wonderfully refreshing album, Gangbe's high- energy sound is punctuated with didactic subject matter, ranging from anti-war themes, "Awhan-Ho," to advice regarding friendship, "Johodo."

Coupling the perfect utilization of the African tradition of call and response with their entrancing polyrhythma, Gangbe, which means "the sound of metal," serves up sound buffet that will leave your musical pal let yearning for more.

Once a prominent West African kingdom in the 15th century, Benin was colonized by the French in the late 1800s. The legacy of European brass bands is heard in many parts of Africa, and so is the legacy of vinyl that sailed from American jazz clubs But as Michelle Mercer wrote in '"Time Out NY," Gangbe'a mambofied horn arrangements also recall that Cuban music was once the rock and roll of West Africa."

Reminiscent of their musical forerunner, the late-great Fela Anukalipu-Kuti, to whom they dedicate one of their moat electrifying selections, "Remember Fela," Gangbe is sure to continue the tradition of spreading music par excellence throughout the globe.

Gangbe will perform at the Fletcher Theatre, Oct.27 at 8p.m