Orchestra Baobab - Specialist in All Styles (2002)

Tracklist

01. Bul ma miin
02. Sutukun
03. Dée Moo Wóor
04. Jiin Ma Jiin Ma
05. N'dongoy Daara
06. On verra ça
07. Hommage a Tonton Ferrer
08. El Son Te Ilama
09. Gnawoe

Putting a classic band together 15 years after their demise can be a recipe for disaster. In this case, though, World Circuit head Nick Gold has definitely done the world a favor. Orchestra Baobab might be best known for their classic Pirate's Choice, but this disc is every bit the equal - it's most certainly not Buena Vista Baobab Club. For someone who hadn't touched a guitar in years, after becoming a lawyer in his native Togo, Barthelemy Attisso is all over this record, offering beautiful, inventive solos and playing whose fluidity, especially on "Gnawe" and "Dee Moo Wor," is wonderfully atmospheric. As any fan would expect, the Cuban influence remains very strong, but the Wolf roots are also strong, especially in the voice of young singer Assane Mboup. Guest turns from Ibrahim Ferrer and co-producer Youssou N'Dour on "Homage a Tonton Ferrer" - a remake of "Utru Horas," their biggest song - aren't going to hurt the album's visibility. But ultimately it's the band themselves who carry the record, playing better than ever (not only the superb Attisso, but also saxman Issa Cissokho). Back in fine style, indeed.

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