Show Review

Senegalese Afro-Cuban pop fusionists Orchestra Baobab have a close connection to Vermont. Last year one of Vermont’s finest musicians, Trey Anastasio, visited the band on there home turf in Senegal with Dave Matthews to participate in a special show at Dakar's Yengoulene Club. This trip sparked a deep friendship that next reconvened when Baobab briefly toured the United States and made a stop in Vermont to play the original Higher Ground nightclub. The afternoon of that show saw Anastasio host a cookout at his home in which he presented the two guitarists of Baobab with custom Languedoc guitars. The emotional impact of this act cemented the friendship even further.

At Orchestra Baobab’s show at the new Higher Ground last Tuesday, you could feel the good vibes in the air. However, Anastasio was not there, as he would be sitting in with the Allman Brothers Band at their March Beacon Theater run in NYC. But the guitarist's impact on the band has become very apparent. In a very heavy French accent one of the guitarists glowed while thanking Anastasio and his family and friends for the "Vermont/Senegal connection" that has developed. He went on to talk about all of the hospitality that the band had received and the beautiful guitars that they were given by Anastasio. It almost looked as though faint tears could be seen welling up as he spoke.

The show itself that night was incredible, as Orchestra Baobab certainly knows how to groove. They played many of their classics like "On Verra Ça," "Bul Ma Miin" and the ballad "Ni Diaye." They also played some songs from their new album Specialist in All Styles including "Ndongoy Daara." The highlight of the evening for me was guitarist Barthelemy Artisso’s own song "Gna Woe" ("That’s Right") that ended the set. That song holds such a beautiful and inspiring chorus that I could have left right there and have been completely satisfied. Then came the three-song encore that had the entire place dancing as if there was no tomorrow. It was a poignant and powerful show. Once the lights came up I looked around and saw genuine pleasure in the faces around me. Orchestra Baobab is a band that brings you into their hearts, if you let them.

Photos courtesy of Lorcan Ackley