Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble is set to release their highly anticipated sixth album, Vive l'amour, on November 1st 2024. The ”Love Album” continues to build on the jazz- influenced Afro-soul sound from the band’s previous self-titled record, while also returning to the group’s roots: the traditional rhythms of Benin.
Vive l'amour was recorded across four cities: Helsinki, Paris, Cotonou, and Budapest. The album features guest appearances from Nigerian percussionist Jah Baba and the large string section of the Budapest Art Orchestra, adding new layers to the band's vibrant sound.
As previously, the songs have been composed by Janne Halonen and Noel Saizonou. The lyrics explore mostly love in its many forms.
The album release will be celebrated with two special concerts: the first on Thursday, October 31 at Tiivistämö, Helsinki, as part of the Etnosoi! festival, and the second on Friday, November 1 at Logomo, Turku. The band will also perform in Hämeenlinna on 20th of November. The touring season 2024 closes with a showcase performance in "Visa for Music" world music event.
Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble blends traditional West African rhythms with jazz, funk, and soul. The band has been active since 2012 and has performed in 23 countries.
Album Credits:
Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble:
Noël Saïzonou: lead vocals, percussion
Janne Halonen: guitars, background vocals
Visa Oscar: keyboards
Sampo Riskilä: bass
Juha Räsänen: drums
Kasheshi Makena: percussion, background vocals
Mikko Pettinen: trumpet, flugelhorn, background vocals
Joakim Berghäll: saxophone, background vocals
Featuring:
Budapest Art Orchestra - Strings
Jah Baba - Percussion
All music arranged and produced by Janne Halonen (Except horn section arrangement on ”Homafa” by Joakim Berghäll, and horn section arrangement on ”Zongbogo” by Visa Oscar & Janne Halonen)
Recorded by Aleksi Villberg, Juha-Matti Varvikko and Janne Halonen at Sonic Pump Studios, Helsinki
Lead Vocals and Jah Baba’s percussion recorded by Janne Halonen at Africa Sound City, Cotonou and at 360 Music Factory, Paris
Budapest Art Orchestra recorded by Gabor Buczko & David Lukacs At East Connection Music Recording, Budapest
Mixed and Mastered by Tommi Vainikainen
Graphic Design and Cover Photos By Kevin Buy
Excecutive Producer Tapio Korjus
THANK YOU:
Families and friends for endless support, Jah Baba, Viny-Morgan Abiala, Richard Tandjoma, Mika Paananen, Sami Juutinen, Minna Huuskonen, Kevin Buy, Tapio Korjus, Jaana-Mirjam ja Serge, Janne Huttunen, Aleksi Vilberg, Sonic Pump Studios, Musiikin edistämissäätiö, Taiteen edistämiskeskus, Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Music Finland, Matkatoimisto Mr. Travel
© & ℗ 2024 Rockadillo Records
STREAM VIVE L'AMOUR ON SPOTIFY