Summer might be the time for outdoor music festivals in scenic locales, but, then again, some of us prefer air-conditioning, a bar within easy reach and a taxi home. So, thank goodness there's a couple of festivals in Tokyo, too.
Inspired by last summer's success, promoter Conversation will once again host the sprawling Light My Fire world music festival. Among this year's attractions are the Caribbean Magic Steel Orchestra, Bali's Suar Agung, Cuba's Vocal Sampling and, the festival's must-see, Orchestra Baobab.
Orchestra Baobab's genteel, Cuban-tinged dance music was the toast of Senegal in the 1970s, but they lost most of their audience once the fiery Youssou N'Dour appeared on the scene. However, a record the band made in 1982, "Pirates Choice," was released last year on Nick Gold's World Circuit label, and its critical and commercial success prompted the band to reunite and record "Specialist in All Styles," another fine offering of Afro-Cuban music. Orchestra Baobab recently played two packed shows in New York, where they showed that age and a long hiatus hasn't diminished their penchant for smoldering rhythms and colorful, quirky guitar solos.
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