Search - Ry-Co Jazz :: Rumba 'Round Africa: Congo / Latin Action from the 1960s

Mambo, Pachanga, Cara Cara, Merengue, Twist through the Sixties, and Rumba 'round Africa with Ry-Co Jazz, the hot little combo which spread Congo music across the world. Ry-Co Jazz became pan-African heroes during the 1960s when they introduced their vital Congo/Latin rhythms to West Africa. The band was founded in Congo in 1958/59 and managed by Henri Bowane, the hit parade guitarist who first brought Franco into the recording studio. Original members Freddy N'Kounkou [vocal], M'bilia Casino [congas and vocal], and Panda Gracia [double bass], were soon joined by ace guitarist Jerry Malekani who stayed with the group until they ended their epic adventure in 1972. From 1967, with sax master Jean-Serge Essous on board, they spent four years in the French Antilles, leaving their influence on the pioneers of 'zouk' music. The RetroAfric release Rumba 'round Africa features 16 tracks of classic Congo hits and a cracking Rockabilly/twist.