Orchestra Baobab & Super Rail Band

Live in Central Park, July 14, 2002

  
   

The vocalists of Orchestra Baobab  
   
The event, to celebrate Bastille Day, recalled a different eras of West African music.  Orchestra Baobab, making their US debut, harked back to a time when Cuban music made its return to Africa in the form of Rumba and Son.  Their enthusiasm transcended the age difference between themselves and the audience which was predominantly young.  It was clear from the audiences warm response to the band that they appreciated this music of bygone era.   
   

 
Issa Cissoko's comic personality balanced the seriousness of the other musicians  
   

The afternoon started at a languid pace and with each song the band played with increased intensity.  The guitarist played psychedelic and swirling melodies, quite unlike anything we had witnessed in modern African or Cuban music.  All the while, the crisp horn arrangements punctuated soothing and warm vocals, this was music to dance to, and closing one's eyes, the music's languid flow brought one back to a Dakar circa 1970. 

 
   

   
Issa Cissoko entertained the audience with eccentric appearance and facial expressions, all the while charming the audience with his tenor saxophone, obviously enjoying himself.  Four vocalists sang traded off vocals on songs with lyrics in Spanish, Wolof, Portuguese and other languages.  Unlike the structured and syncopated Cuban music that inspired it, Baobab's repertoire flowed generously, not in a hurry to end each song.  It had a relaxing and calming effect on the audience.    
   

   
It was surprising at all that we were witnessing the group live, as they had been disbanded for many years.  It was only with the popular response to their re-release of the classic Pirate's Choice that the veteran members were encouraged to get back together.  Now that they have resurfaced, we can look forward to the where they may next take their music.  An upcoming release and expected in the Fall will be called "Specialist in all Styles," was recorded live in ten days this past summer.  The group, whose name comes from the African tree that lives for centuries, shows the same resilience.

   

   

Super Rail Band of Mali

  
   
After the soothing rhythms of Orchestra Baobab, a hot day in Central Park got even hotter as Super Rail Band took the stage.  
   

 

With the piecing opening notes of Djelimady Tounkara's guitar, the audience knew it would be a special day.

  
   
 On stage was not only one Africa's legendary groups, but one of its best guitarists as well.  It was the second appearance of Super Rail Band following their 2001 debut at Lincoln Center's Africa Out Loud festival.  

 

Bamba Dembele - Band manager and percussion

  

 
Banning Eyre, noted author and friend of the band, contributing on guitar  
   
After Independence in Mali, there was an increased focus on playing the traditional music of the countryside reflecting both the nationalistic spirit as well as the optimism of post-colonial Africa.  At the time, Cuban music, including rumba and son, were all the rage.  The Super Rail Band's music grabbed the nation's attention with its danceable Cuban-influenced sound that all the while stayed true to Mali's cultural heritage.  
   

Damory Kouyate, on vocals, gestured to emphasize his message

  
   
For decades the band played at the Bamako Train Station's Buffet-Hotel and that is where they took their name from.  The band was a veritable training ground (incubator of sorts) for a future generation of solo stars which included Salif Keita and Mory Kante who passed through their ranks.  
   

Bamba Dembele - Band manager and percussion

Adama Fomba, on vocals

Samba Sissoko - Vocal Bamba Dembele & Samba Sissoko
   
More recently, the band has released albums including 1995's "Mansa" on Label Blue (distributed by Harmonia Mundi) and most recently the 2002 solo release of Djelimady Tounkara entitled "Sigui" on Indigo records.  
   

 
This fan braved security to show off his dance floor prowess on stage