Name: Specialist in All Styles
Brand: Orchestra Baobab

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

WCD064

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-02-02

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Warner Music Group

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0769233006424

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Orchestra Baobab

Genre GB

African

Label GB

World Circuit

Orchestra Baobab is a Senegalese Afro-Cuban band that was formed in 1970. Originally a multi-ethnic, multi-national club band, they fused the popular Cuban Music with Wolof Griot culture and Mandinga musical traditions of the Casamance region. After disbanding in the 1980s, they reunited in 2001 due to growing interest in their recordings across Europe.

With members including Ndiouga Dieng, Balla Sidibe, Rudy Gomis, Latfi Ben Geloune, Barthélemy Attisso & Issa Cissoko, Orchestra Baobab has created a unique sound that blends various genres and cultural influences. Their music reflects the vibrant energy of West Africa while incorporating elements of "Son" and "Pachanga".

Having gained popularity for their distinctive style and captivating performances, Orchestra Baobab continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their timeless melodies and infectious rhythms. Their reformation has allowed new generations to discover their rich musical heritage and appreciate their contribution to African music.

British label specializing in Cuban & West African music, founded and led by [a356497].

Label Code: LC 2339 / LC 02339

In the mid 1990's World Circuit releases were distributed by [info provided for reference only]:
Australia - Larrikin Entertainment
Austria - Lotus Records
Denmark - Moskito Music
France - Night And Day
Germany - East West / Talent Independant Service
Greece - Libra Music Ltd.
Italy - I.R.D.
The Netherlands - Music Records B.V.
New Zealand - Elite Imports Ltd.
Norway - Musikkdistribusjon AS
Spain - Arpa Folk Distribucion, S.L.
Sweden - MNW I.L.R.
Switzerland - Recrec Genossenschaft
UK - New Note Distribution

Comeback albums can be disastrous, but Specialist in All Styles proves a happy exception to that unfortunate music-industry rule. In the 20 years since the uniquely multi-ethnic Orchestra Baobab made their last album, their members have been scattered throughout Senegal and other parts of West Africa. Their inimitable guitarist Barthélemy Attisso was making a living as a lawyer in Togo. Talk about a waste of talent! Back in his rightful profession, he has lost none of his trademark fluid elegance. The other great instrumentalist who gave such a distinctive flavour to their languid Afro-Latin grooves was tenor saxophonist Issa Cissokho. Both are back in the fold along with most of the original regular members, including five vocalists. Over half the songs have appeared on the band's previous international releases. Some, such as "Bul Ma Mine", "Gnawe" and "On Verra Ça", are fairly faithful, lovingly crafted updates. In contrast, the classic "Utru Horas" reappears as "Hommage à Tonton Ferrer", featuring guest vocals from Ibrahim Ferrer and Youssou N'Dour and the coda from Africando's fabulous bolero "Gouye Gui", presumably a nod to singer Medoune Diallo's membership of both bands. There are also old hits, such as "Sutukun" and "Dee Moo Wor", which will only be familiar to their Senegalese fan base, and only a little new material, but wallowing in nostalgia has seldom sounded sweeter.

Specialist in All Styles

Music GB