One-time leader of the vibrant West African pop scene, Baobab stands out for its dynamic stylistic mix, which marries elements of Cuban rhythms (cha-cha-cha and clave), skirt-swinging Latin hybrids (pachanga and salsa), and a host of guitar-driven Afropop flavors. The 11-piece orchestra"s midtempo combo platter of genres is no less evocative but far more modern than the quaint traditions of the Buena Vista septuagenarians. While a half-dozen vocalists lead the tunes with catchy choruses ripe for call-and-response audience participation, awesome six-string slinger Barthelemy Attisso pumps out tasty-cool solos, at times echoing the heyday of Jamaican roots-rock. Baobab"s colorful patchwork plays up the African in its Afro-Cuban sound, which, as those who"ve seen the act live know for sure, is key to its island-music magic.
