How I went as long as I did without knowing about Asheville, North Carolina's
Toubab Krewe is quite beyond me, but at long last I found them and my passion for music was revitalized in a way I could never have imagined.
Music festivals may have taken some flack over the past few years; no doubt spurred on by Bonnaroo's blatant change in scope
, and the inclusion of amazing up and comers such as Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. But, in spite of the larger festivals Clear Channel/MTV feel, the simple fact remains that few better avenues exist for bands to get their name out more than the celebrations of music that are summer festivals.
It was at this year's
Summer Camp Music Festival (one of my personal favorites that's managed to stay somewhat under the radar) that I came across the engrossing, and undeniable groove that is
Toubab Krewe. The immediate distinction one may notice in Toubab's performance is the Kora (pictured left), a 21-stringed instrument traditionally played in Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso and The Gambia; a few of which the band has spent extended time in. With this unique sound at the forefront an instinctual comparison to Afro-beat music comes to mind. This is furthered by a stunning percussion section that takes the lead with solos at least once every show captivating the audience not only audibly, but mesmerizing them visually with multiple musicians drumming in unison and building a song from is most elemental roots. For an example of this check out the song "Asheville To Abidjan" on their self-titled debut album.
But to call this band Afro-beat simply does not do them justice. Almost immediately after the infectious, tribal beats coming from the stage put my body into a rhythm I was previously unaware it knew, Toubab seamlessly switched to flawless surf-rock, then straight up rock and roll, and then fused them all and simply did not stop. When it comes to Toubab's
live performance, I believe
Flavorpill has already said it best: "we haven't danced, sweated, and smiled so much in a long time."
At a festival dominated by the heavy-hitters of the jam industry like
moe.,
Umphrey's McGee, and
Les Claypool, standing alone not only as the surprise of the weekend, but easily the most pioneering was
Toubab Krewe.
Capturing this vibe as much as a live performance can be encapsulated by a recording is their second album,
Live At The Orange Peel. Recording during their 2007-2008 New Years celebration, the album shows their absolute mastery of multiple genres and their versatility to meld them into a sound all its own.
Their nearly non-stop summer run will hit major festivals such as the aforementioned
Bonnaroo, and Michigan's up and coming mogul
Rothbury as well as numerous other cities throughout the U.S.
I implore you, go see this band!
