Miki Poly Pocket

Le Tout-Puissant Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - Madjafalao (2016) {Because Music BEC5156646}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 362 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 122 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 141 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2016 Because Music | BEC5156646
Afro Beat / Funk / African / Psychedelic / World Music

Le Tout-Puissant Orchestre Poly-Rythmo is a difficult ensemble to follow. For one thing, they have functioned under the names Poly Rythmo de Cotonou, TP Orchestre Poly-Rythmo and L'International Poly-Rythmo among others. Add to that, a frequently shifting line up, a series of serious misadventures, a long period of dormancy, and their lack of familiarity outside of Benin (in West Africa) is understandable.

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou - The Skeletal Essences of Afro Funk 1969-1980 (2013) {Analog Africa AACD073}
XLD rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 423 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 171 Mb
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© 1969-80, 2013 Analog Africa | AACD 073
Afro Beat / Funk / African / Psychedelic / World Music

It would appear that the passing last year of Melome Clement, the "Chef d'orchestre" of Poly Rythmo, has inspired Analog Africa's founder, Sammy Ben Redjeb, to serve up another helping of tracks from Benin's greatest band. While the highs on this album may not be as high as on the other two Analog Africa releases, one can rest assured that this collection is of the same high quality as those two releases. While this third volume is still focused on their funkier styles, it contains songs with many different designations: Jerk, Sato, Afro Beat, Vodoun, Pop, Cavacha, Pachanga, Bossa, and Slow.

Issued in 1997 on PSF, the live album by the Poly Breath Percussion Band is an exercise in skronk, rhythm, and groove. Featuring Shoji Hano on traps and talking drums; Megumu Nishino on an elaborate array of electronic drums, electronics, and traditional Japanese percussion instruments; Tetsu Yamachi on electric bass; and the totally amazing alto talents of veteran improviser and free jazzer Keizo Inoue (electronica pioneer Tetsu's father), this band in a live setting is just plain dangerous…

Elvin Jones - Poly-Currents (1969) {2014 Japan SHM-CD Blue Note 24-192 Remaster TYCJ-81068}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 259 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 94 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 319 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24-bit 192 kHz remaster
© 1969, 2014 Universal Japan / Blue Note | BN 75th The Masterworks | TYCJ-81068
Jazz / Post Bop / Modal Music / Drums

Features the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD player) and the latest 24bit 192kHz remastering. Most of this CD reissue features drummer Elvin Jones leading a sextet full of notables, which also includes the underrated tenor great George Coleman, Joe Farrell on tenor, flute and English horn, baritonist Pepper Adams, bassist Wilbur Little, and Candido on congas. They stretch out on group originals highlighted by "Mr. Jones" and "Whew." In addition, flutist Fred Tompkins teams up with Farrell's flute, Little and Jones on his own "Yes." Advanced modal hard bop with all of the musicians playing in top form.

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - Cotonou Club (2011) {Strut STRUT077 CD}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 335 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 110 Mb
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© 2011 Strut | STRUT077 CD
Afro Beat / Funk / African Music / World Music

After a delay of more than 20 years, there's a new album from one of West Africa's great dance bands. Formerly known as TP Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou – TP standing for "tout puissant" or "all powerful", and Cotonou being the largest city in Benin – they started in the late 60s, recorded dozens of albums, but took decades to achieve international recognition. A series of compilation albums led to their eventual discovery by Western audiences, and the reformed band gave their first UK concert in 2009. This new album features several of those who played with Poly-Rhythmo in the 60s and 70s, and it's a rousing, varied affair.