microscopiq

I saw three fabulous African acts at SummerStage over the past few months.
First was Oumou Sangare on July 2. On a night of female Malian singers, Ramata Diakit? opened the show and was wonderful, but Oumou’s politically charged yet joyous follow-up took the night. The audience was alive and the sheets of music kept us all swaying. Pick up Ko Sira. You won’t be disappointed.

Not a week later, Senegal’s legendary Orchestra Baobab rolled into town on July 6. Folks were sad that Cuba’s Sierra Maestra was held up in customs, but Baobab more than made up for it with a raucous show, including a infectious rendition of Bul Ma Miin that had people dancing in the aisles and on the stage! For new school Baobab, check out Specialist in All Styles. Folks who want to see why these guys were forced out of retirement after 15 years may want to check out Bamba or the forever bootlegged and now legit Pirate’s Choice.

Lastly but certainly not least was Guinea’s Bembeya Jazz National on August 17. The weather wasn’t as gorgeous as it could have been, but it’s testament to the group’s fantastic musicality that a large number of people stayed through the rain and lightning, dancing and splashing to the beat. When the sun finally came out towards the end of their set, the music seemed to help it punch through the clouds. Ridiculously good stuff. Check their new disc Bembeya for a primer. Yet another wicked good African group to come out of retirement recently. (Bembeya was out of the limelight for just one year less than Baobab.)

Overall, SummerStage was nothing short of excellent. The groups they booked were world class, the sound was better than a lot of indoor venues, and at the price — free — well, it’s just irresistible!

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