Customer Reviews

Toubab Krewe

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What do you get when you combine Jamband with Afropop? The answer is Toubab Krewe. The band's debut is surprisingly satisfying. It is surprising considering the lukewarm results from so many similarly minded cross-cultural hybrids. From the African side, there's the Ali Farka Toure style Desert Blues along with indigenous instruments that include a plethora of stringed instruments and drums. On the Jamband side, the music echoes the guitar driven sounds of Ali Baba's Tahini and Lotus. With the absence of singing, the improvisation has to be strong to keep such a ship afloat and it cruises in style. While the ingredients may be familiar, Toubab Krewe cooks up a stew that is pleasantly original and unusually compelling. The band isn't composed of a bunch of neo-hippies who enjoyed drum circles enough to take it up to the next level. These musicians lived in Africa studying the music - "Toubab Krewe" makes this training evident. The band beautifully combines instrumental psychedelia with West African vibrations in a way that simultaneously feels authentic and sounds accessible. The accomplishment is similar to Outback's climactic "Dance the Devil Away." In addition to performing an exhilarating live show, Toubab Krewe's freshman release proves that they can shine in the studio with their inspiring brand of Jamband Afropop.

Toubab Krewe puts out an amazing freshman studio effort! This excellent album begs to be played everywhere from dance halls to coffee shops. Toubabs unique blend of traditional West African music with their southern roots creates a masterful blend of good vibes and dance floor boogey. Original and fun, this CD is a must have!

This album should whet your appetite until the guys come to your town. When they do, they are not to be missed. Anyone who likes rock guitar or west african music, or both, should give this a listen. It will be on your ipod for weeks. And I agree with the reviewer who said that they should make a live dvd. I was thinking the same thing when I was watching them last night in Baltimore.

Woo another great album put out by toubab krewe. They are one of the best day time shows out there you can see and this album shows why. The self named album Toubab Krewe goes beyond what almost any one expected of this band, it is simply amazing.

Saw these guys live 3 times now. First time blew me away with their last song drum jam, which includes all members playing percussion, and two "dueling" on the djembe. The album has that song included, and sounds good, but like some others have noted, seeing this live is where it's at. A live CD would be great, but even better a live DVD would let their performace really come full circle. An original sound created straight from Africa, through Asheville, NC. Precise playing and tight arrangements even throughout their "jams". Definitely a positive vibe is felt in every song. Enjoy!

Good jam music, best song on the album Hang Tan. American jam mixed in with some good African drumming in it.

Saw these guys at Allgood this year and had to go see them again. This is an awesome album and has gotten a lot of play in my car (and I have sirius!). A ton of talent with this group. 5 stars!

For a debut album, this recording is hot, hot, hot!! I was surprised, as I hadn't heard them until a few years later & expected a "less than polished" first attempt. I was blown away! All the way through, it held my interest & had me smiling. All of Toubab Krewe's recordings have made it into my regular musical rotation :)

A great predecessor to their newest release, TK2 (out now!). African influences give them an awesome worldly/global sound. Along with the new album release is a US tour. Along with their own dates, they'll also be playing music festivals All Good and Electric Forest!

Saw these guys last time they were in Athens and they were awesome. Immediately went out and bought their album. Djarabi and Devil Woman are both awesome songs, along with the rest of the CD, there isn't a bad song on here! Any Athenians out there don't miss out, they're going to be at New Earth Music Hall April 9!!