Customer Reviews

Bamba

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I stumbled onto this band years ago and was blown away by their sound. It's an upbeat blend of the Cuban "son" rhythm with the traditional Wolof and Mandinka melodies. I honestly don't think I have ever heard anything so incredible.

It's one of my Top Ten CD's - of all time. I have to disagree with the reviewer who thought this CD was an inferior Baobob album. Yeah, it's true that the "Pirate's Choice" CD is their best, but it's hard to find (that's why I chose to review this one; you can find it at ANY. . . store). That said, this CD is STILL an epiphany!

How a Baobab fan could give this CD less than a 5 is completely beyond me. Indeed, Pirates Choice is a once in a lifetime gem, eerie in its floating beauty, but Bamba is different and to me just as incredibly wonderful in its own way: lively, joyous, maybe ecstatic is the best way to put it. Get it while you still can, you won't be sorry.

This single CD edition collects two Baobab albums from 1980-81, and the music is simply quite lovely. Classic hypnotic grooves that creep up on you and bring a sense of wonder and elation. Why get into a "this disc is better than that one" argument? Orchestra Baobab is a great band, and all of their records are highly recommended.

that's about how long it took me to get hooked on this band. i know that pirate's choice is the "best", but this cd is seriously just my darn favorite. the title track makes me want to burst right out of my skin, it's THAT kind of powerful. every single time i play this cd at work (a retail travel store) people ask about it. enough said - just buy it already.

Orchestra Baobab makes straightforward, no-nonsense, authentic music. Listening to them is like stepping into a warm bath. They are creative, spirited, and inspiring musicians. Every aspect of their music is carefully crafted, and their amazing musicianship gives the constant impression of ease. You can focus on the vocals, saxophone, the amazing delayed guitar solos, everything stands well on its own and all together the sound is just right.

I've heard other bands from Senegal and West Africa with a similar sound. Orchestra Baobab's style was part of broad movement in west-african music blending pop, rock, afro-cuban, and traditional elements in the 1970's and 80's. No group, in my opinion, however, is as consistent as Baobab in making quality, warm, beautiful music. This album in particular is special. It's a great introduction to Baobab, and Orchestra Baobab is a great introduction to West African music.

The first time I heard 'Boulmamine,' from this CD reissue of two OB vinyl-era albums, I was stopped in my tracks. The animistic vibe, the flow of the band and the temple-of-reverb sound were, taken together, unlike anything I'd ever heard in Afro-Cuban music. I imagined OB having these intense yet congenial recording sessions in a dusty church of a studio. The rest of this CD sustains the beautiful spirit of that one incredible song.