I won't lie. I learned about Orchestra Baobab from this VH1 show around 2002/3. It was instant music love for the Senegalese band. The easy vibes contained in their blend of West African x Cuban rhythms brought me in, their musicianship sealed the deal.
The group played an Afro-Cuban Caribbean fused with distinctly West African traditions. Unlike other Senegalese bands, they added Casamance harmonies and drumming (from southern Senegal), melodies from Togo and Morocco to the more common Wolof (from northern Senegal) influences. (wiki)
A few albums and some great sounding live shows in and I've yet to have a chance to see them live...until now.
Turns out they will be playing not one but two shows in the city this month. Sweet. One is for free. SWEET!!! That show is part of the River To River festival, info:
Time: 7:00pm
Date: June 25, 2008
Location: Rockefeller Park
This event is part of 2008's R2R Legacy program. R2R Legacy highlights a selection of the Festival's programs that strongly reflect, revive, newly interpret, or celebrate important cultural works, influential artists and our diverse cultural heritage. These programs are made possible, in part, with support from American Express through their commitment to cultural preservation
Website: www.batteryparkcity.org
The other show is part of the BAM Festival on June 26th.
"Ndéleng Ndéleng" - live on Later With Jools Holland
"Bul Ma Min" - live on Letterman
Ummmmmmm, you actually learned about this from me and Mary Lee buddy!
Posted by: Dub | Sunday, June 22, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Check out photos and videos from the event at: http://www.yellow-island.blogspot.com/
Posted by: trolle | Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 02:03 AM
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