Le Ry-Co Jazz

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 [a=Henri Bowane], the hit parade guitarist who first brought Franco into the recording studio. Original members [a=Freddy N'Kounkou] [vocal], [a=M'bilia Casino] [congas and vocal], and Panda Gracia [double bass], were soon joined by ace guitarist [a=Jerry Malekani] who stayed with the group until they ended their epic adventure in 1972. From 1967, with sax master [a=Jean Serge Essous] on board, they spent four years in the French Antilles, leaving their influence on the pioneers of 'zouk' music.