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Simmers and Stews the Voodoo with 'Nawlins into a spicy sauce all its own
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World Rhythm, Simmers and Stews the Voodoo with 'Nawlins into a spicy sauce all its own >>
Hailing from the country of Benin on the West Coast of Africa, the Gangbe (pronounced gong-bay) Brass Band has put a whole new twist on the unlikely history found in Africa. Gangbe - which means "the sound of metal" refers to the instrumentation of the group: trumpets, trombone, saxophone and euphonium.
The colonial history of the area is French, who brought their own musical legacy of military brass bands with them. Being a coastal country, American Jazz records made there way into the culture as well. These influences have been further simmered and stewed with the musical sounds of neighboring Nigeria.
A hearty dose of Fela Kuti's AfroBeat (fully revealed in their tribute song "Remembering Fela") and the happy tones of the juju sound made popular by King Sunny Ade. As if this wasn't enough of a juxtaposition of sounds, the Gangbe Brass Band's uniqueness to the music lies within their own culture. The Beninese rhythms played on a variety of percussion by three of the band members stays true to the traditions of their people.
They sought out permission from voodoo priests and their ancestors to expose these rhythms to a wider audience. In addition to French, they also sing in many different indigenous languages such as fon, mina, ngou and yoruba. As the picture above would indicate, the Gangbe Brass Band is also a feast for the eyes in their traditional garb.
Their playfullness continues on stage where they sometimes start the show seated in the audience. With all the members singing in choral fashion, the effect is to further welcome the audience into the heart of the groove. On the tune "Yemonoho" unison chants break off into syncopated rounds and top off with high-note exclamations from the lead voice. Even with a total of 10 members the music breathes in a way that shows their comfort and experience whether performing at a concert hall, dance floor or at African funerals.
With the music going from the major-key exuberance of "Johodo" (a song about staying humble) to the swift, dark, minor tones of "Gbedji" which encourages Africans to stay in Africa, the cradle of Humanity, the Gangbe Brass Band manages to keep you off guard enough to keep you intrigued Gangbe Brass Band performs music that is as much a multi-cultural/musicial experience as it is a testament to their very own ancestors. The musical stylings of New Orleans, France and Mexico all get their due in the band's hands. 02/02/06 >> go there
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