Customer Reviews

Specialist in All Styles

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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If we gather correctly, Orchestra Baobab is a vintage Senegalese musical group who, prior to this cd, last recorded in the early 80s. On the heels of the success of their 1982 album, 'Pirate's Choice', issued in the U.S. only last year, Orchestra Baobab have, for the most part, reunited to record this wonderful cd. Although this is music generally indigenous to or stemming from their various tribal cultures, it is rich with colors from other cultures as well. As a result, this album should appeal not only t those familiar with African music, but to lovers of reggae, Latin music, and American r&b, too. Singers like the marvelous Assane Mboup, apparently a new, younger member of the group, not only follow in the tradition of countryman Youssou N'Dour, who co-produced the album, but in the footsteps of Frankie Lymon and Jackie Wilson. All the musicians are truly spectacular, but we must single out three in particular. Barthelemy Attiso unleashes a string of guitar solos equal in excitement and expressiveness to any we have heard in any genre, including in his arsenal of sounds some bell-toned notes that bring to mind the late, Grate Jerry Garcia. And nearly as thrilling are the rhythmic and sensuous saxophones of Issa Cissokho and Thierno Koite, taking turns or in tandem. The album's highlight, aside from the aforementioned, is the magnificent vocal and instrumental jam session inspired by, dedicated to, and spearheaded by the venerable Ibrahim Ferrer of the Buena Vista Social Club. The song epitomizes the deep connection between Latin and African music. And, like the rest of the album, one need not have the slightest understanding of the words to appreciate its power, beauty and funkiness.

I have to admit that when I read about Baobab's reunion and their intention to release a new album, I was a bit sceptical. I was happy that the band would finally get much deserved recognition, but surely they could not create and play music as amazing as they did in the late 70s and early 80s.

Well, I was wrong! From the very first seconds of the opening track Bulmamiin, it feels like Baobab never stopped playing together. This album has everything that made them a great band the first time round - the beautiful voice of Rudi Gomis; the indescribable guitar solos of Barthelemy Atisso, the understated beatiful saxophone work of Issa Cissoko, but most of all an amazing mixture of different styles as interpreted by a band that obviously enjoys playing together.

I can't say this tops Pirate's Choice - my all time favorite album of any genre -, but it comes pretty close and reestablishes Baobab at their rightful place in today's scene.

Unless this is your only O.B. album, there's some filler here. Hommage A Tonton Ferrer is essentially a shorter version (with different lyrics) of Utrus Horas, the first track on Pirates Choice, and the longer version is better played and more hypnotic. El Son Te Llama is a faster, shorter cover of the better-played version from On Verra Ca. (The original version, by the way, is also available on Putumayo Presents Afro-Latino, an excellent compilation.) The remaining seven songs are quite good and offer plenty of variety. One only wishes O.B. could have re-entered the studio, after so many years, with totally original material.

Much to my surprise, this CD is even better than Pirate's Choice, if that's possible. Even without Ibrahim Ferrer it would have been great, but he puts it over the top. Attisso's guitar and Cissoko's saxaphone are just amazing--not to mention the percussion, which has a voice as important and expressive as those of the melody instruments and singers. Pirate's Choice was my first taste of Baobab, and this recording makes me want to get all the others. This band has a unique sound that you can identify instantly. Only one critism: I wish the producers had included the lyrics with translations in the booklet. That goes for Pirate's Choice too.

An completely gorgeous, lulling, beautiful album of Cuban-influenced African guitar music. This is a fine reunion disc, showcasing the band's continued mastery of the sweet African pop they helped create decades ago. This is their first new recording in 15 years, and it's absolutely stunning -- if I could give it 20 more stars, I would.

I bought this CD after reading a bunch of reviews on this site. I was not disappointed; in fact, I was elated. The music, rhythm, variety - pure silk. If you have an interest in african (or west african or senegalese) sound, the CD is a must. The first track, Bulmamin, is energetic; I'm constantly humming the rhythm in my head. Also, the Homage a Tonton Ferrer with Youssou and Ibrahim Ferrer is sublime. Agree with some other reviewers that this is a must for any African collection. Enjoy.

PS - I also recommend Baobab's older album Pirate's Choice.

I was only recently introduced to the music of Orchestra Baobab and what a fantastic discovery their music is!

Formed in Senegal in 1970, the group took its name from a nightclub they performed at, named after the Baobab tree found in the African savannah, and renowned for its majesty and endurance, qualities the band shares.

Their musical style sounds to me like a fusion of Cuban, and African Highlife music; loads of prominent melodic guitars, horns (especially explosive sax), and rich percussion. The lyrics (on this CD) are largely in Wolof and French, dealing with themes including anti corruption messages, a dying parent, and the importance of having integrity. However, music, especially this beautiful, is a universal language.

`Specialist In All Styles' is their first CD in 20 years, co produced by Youssou N'Dour, the album comprises 9 tracks - mostly reworked versions of their classics with a few new songs thrown in - with a rich, live (it was recorded live over 10 days) party feel to the sound. The CD comes in either a yellow cover (shown here) or blue.

Tunes range from the very rhythmic upbeat guitar driven opening cut `Bul Ma Miin', the downtempo `Sutukun' with lovely guitar licks, the very Latin sounding `Jiin Ma Jiin Ma', the gently shuffling `Hommage À Tonton Ferrer' features Ibrahim Ferrer & Youssou N'Dour, and the more upbeat Cuban sounding horn filled `El Son Te Llama'.

A beautiful CD, and a worthy addition to any music collection.

as an avid listener to Cuban sounds of all shapes sizes & tones, I must say this is the first time I've heard of this group. Considering their last recording was released 15 years ago (I'm 21), it's not surprising.
This is very different from any afro-cuban style I've heard until now, maybe because most of the Afro-Cuban bands I've heard were based in Cuba rather than Africa... It takes some time to get used to Baobab's sound. However, it's more than worth it... One song that got me straight away is "Homage A Tonton Ferrer", and even if this song was the only one on the CD, I'd say go ahead & buy it.
I can rave about them all, but I will say this: "Homage A Tonton Ferrer" is my favorite song in this album. It has the most beautiful, rich sound, and lovely vocals (well what else can you expect from Youssou N'Dour), and if you're into Cuban music you'll be pressing the "repeat" button on this one before you've managed to say "Baobab". Addictive music, mi gente! Que Bueno!

I was exposed to the Orchestra a few months back, and I was blown away by the funky rhythms of this group. I recently saw them at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, and they gae such an amazing show -the music was basically from this latest album, but hearing them live let me know just how great a group like this is. The audience was the widest cross-section of people I've ever seen at a concert. From young black kids to middle aged French people to Senegalese and Nigerian, to Columbian and German!

African music is the root of all musical styles, and the Orchestra Baobab demonstrate that music is truly universal.

Tracks like Om Verra Ca sport some of the funkiest bass-lines this side of George Clinton, and even though you won't necessarily be able to understand the lyrics (in French or Waloof) the magical voices of the various singers transcend the listener to a state of pure joy.

If you listen to this and don't like, then I don't know what to say.

I've been expanding my listening to West African music, mainly through Black President Fela Kuti, but this is a welcome difference that we'll get you groove at the house party, the car or the club.

A most hypnotic and intoxicating mix of West African style with Cuban influence.

These guys have style, no doubt about it.

Highly recommended.