Performer Notes

Orchestra Baobab includes: Balla Sidibe (vocals, timbales); Medoune Diallo, Ndiouga Dieng, Rudolphe Gomis, Mapenda Seck (vocals); Barthelemy Attisso, Papa Ba, Adama Sarr (guitar); Charly N'Diaye (bass); Mountaga Kouyate (tumba, percussion).
Recorded in 1982. Includes liner notes by Charlie Gillett and Nick Gold.
Senegal's Orchestra Baobab were one of Dakar's most popular bands in the 1970s and `80s, but it wasn't until the 2000s that the rest of the world caught up with their beautifully eclectic, alluring Afro-pop sound. While the group's discography is full of gems, 1982's PIRATES CHOICE is one of their finest. Heavily influenced by rhumba and other Afro-Cuban flavors, PIRATES CHOICE also mixes in Jamaican influence alongside native African rhythms. Gentle bass and percussion percolates alongside soothing harmonies and agile guitar leads, creating the sunny, mellow vibe that permeates all six tracks (most of which clock in at seven or eight minutes each). A certified world music classic that belongs in the library of anyone remotely interested in African music, PIRATES CHOICE was reissued in 2002 with an additional disc of bonus tracks.

Professional Reviews

Rolling Stone (12/26/02, p.114) - Ranked #4 in Rolling Stone's list of 2002's "10 Best Reissues"

Rolling Stone (2/14/02, pp.65-6) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Cool, languid, insouciant...regarded as Baobab's peak..."

Spin (4/02, p.122) - 9 out of 10 - "...The most luxurious manifestation of West Africa and Cuba's 50-year-old musical connection....capturing Senegal's 11-piece Orchestra Baobab at its apex....As gorgeous as African pop gets."

Entertainment Weekly (1/11/02, p.70) - "...A landmark export of African pop...A perfect album." - Rating: A

Down Beat (May 2002, pp.56-57) - 4.5 out of 5 stars - "...Baobab's blend of Cuban son with West African idioms...along with jazz and French pop is just as remarkably original today..."

Album: Pirates Choice
#	Song Title		Time
	Disc 1
1)	Utrus Horas	More Info...	0:08
2)	Coumba	More Info...	0:07
3)	Ledi Ndieme M'bodj	More Info...	0:09
4)	Werente Serigne	More Info...	0:06
5)	Ray M'bele	More Info...	0:07
6)	Soldadi	More Info...	0:08

Album: Pirates Choice
#	Song Title		Time
	Disc 1
1)	Utrus Horas	More Info...	0:08
2)	Coumba	More Info...	0:07
3)	Ledi Ndieme M'bodj	More Info...	0:09
4)	Werente Serigne	More Info...	0:06
5)	Ray M'bele	More Info...	0:07
6)	Soldadi	More Info...	0:08