Cat No STCD3003

• ‘Bamba' is a selection of the best tracks from two albums - 'Mohamadou Bamba' & 'Sibou Odia' - originally released in Senegal in 1980. As such they predate the 1982 recordings, later re-released by World Circuit in 1989 as 'Pirates Choice', and catch a poignant moment in the band's career.

• Formed in 1970, Orchestra Baobab championed the languid and mature Afro-Cuban sound that was so influential in Senegal then, and so popular around the world now. By 1980 they were at the peak of their powers, but the public's taste was already moving on to the more frenetic sounds of Youssou N'Dour and others.

• The tracks on 'Bamba' were the first ever studio recordings produced by the now legendary Ibrahim Sylla, later to produce the monumental 'Soro' by Salif Keita. Moreover they include the original versions of tracks - "Gnawou" & "Boulmamine" - which World Circuit re-recorded for their 2002 album, 'Specialist In All Styles'.

• As their name suggests, Orchestra Baobab, is a real band: a unit, the sum of whose parts are greater than the contributions of any one individual. Reformed today they continue to record and play around the world, gathering critical claim wherever they go. On 'Bamba' you have the chance to hear them at their peak.