Photos and words by Paul Goodman.
Amadou and Mariam’s internationally-acclaimed act came to the Birchmere on Wednesday night. Local drumming and dancing group Farafina Kan (“the sound of Africa”) led the evening with a four song, 45-minute set designed to celebrate the music of West Africa.
Properly warmed up, the crowd went wild when Amadou and Mariam took the stage. Escorted by French tour managers, the blind couple oozed charm and grace from the moment they walked into the hall. They began their set with “Welcome to Mali”, the title track from their 2009 release, the long-awaited follow-up to the Manu Chao-produced crossover success, “Dimanche a Bamako”.
Amadou’s bluesy guitar was complimented nicely by a synthesizer, two percussionists, and a bassist. As the band got the groove moving, it was impossible not to move. Each instrument laid down another hook, drawing the audience in. Then Mariam’s riveting vocals pierced the room and filled out the sound, honoring the tradition of incredible Malian vocalists.
Halfway through the set, Amadou and Mariam played “Sabali”, the first single off “Welcome to Mali”, an uplifting jam that has been remixed by artists all over the world; check out Theophilus London’s version if you haven’t heard it. The couple’s affection was clear to see here, as Mariam lovingly stroked Amadou’s head; Amadou beamed in response.
After Sabali, Mariam yielded the stage and Amadou led a pair of long grooves, ripping out bluesy guitar solos that built upon repetitive hooks. With the band pounding on in the background, Amadou took a moment to ask the crowd “Are you ready?!”. At which point he melted everyone’s face off with yet another guitar solo.
Mariam rejoined Amadou for the end of the set and the crowd lent a hearty applause at the conclusion of their set. A three-song encore – with little pause between tracks – concluded with Dimanche a Bamako. Satisfied, and with ears ringing, the crowd headed out into the rainy night.
beautiful photos paul.
June 11, 2009 at 4:45 pm