I first came across Orchestra Baobab by happenstance; at a yard sale on 18th street someone was selling an album of theirs called Pirate's Choice. The album, which was easily the best $3 I've ever spent, introduced me to a Senegalese band that had been playing together for almost 40 years. Their music is eclectic, worldly; they play Senegalese rhumba and verge on Afrobeat, but always have a good time and are masterful musicians and multi-instrumentalists.
I saw them this past weekend at Bonnaroo and they were fantastic; picture a bunch of old men, sharply dressed and dancing and playing with more vigor than their entire audience, of 20-something year olds mind you, combined. The tenor player would rattle out melodies and improvisations one-handed, pointing at the audience for response and then seamlessly switch to the timbales. Their conga drummer, who took turns on the drums with their alto player, played an entire solo using his forearms and elbows. The show at the Birchmere is labeled a dance show and is standing room only.
Orchestra Baobab
Dance Show in the Bandstand! (All Standing, Doors 6pm)
Date: Thursday 6/19/2008
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $37.50
God loves a cheerful giver.
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