Orchestra Baobab – Made in Dakar

Made in Dakar – Orchestra Baobab

By Chris Peken

Orchestra Baobab are Africa’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club but oh so much more. Having begun in Senegal in the 1970’s and then disbanded in 1985, Orchestra Baobab reunited in 2002 following the release of their first two albums. Now, some five years on the have recorded anew a collection of old classics and new tunes. Now reunions and reunion albums bring far more heartbreak than joy, but Made in Dakar surpasses any possible expectations. With their particular Afro-Cuban-Latin mix of sounds, polyrhythms, five angelic vocalists and the magical fingers of 62 year old guitarist Barthélémy Attisso Orchestra Baobab have taken their roots, their contemporaries and all that have been influenced by them (including the likes of Youssou N’Dour, who appears as a guest vocalist on Nijaay) and imported them back again into a joyous mix that is both timeless and without boarders. A great band is then elevated further by the  playing of Attisso whose sublime melodies,  and rhythmic picking bring tears of joys to your eyes. I can’t stop listening to this one.

**** 1/2