Monday evening we went out with friends to see Baka Beyond at the Little Fox in Redwood City. If you haven't bumped into them before, they're a Brit-based African-Celtic fusion band, a spinoff some years ago from world music act Outback. Much of their music is based on rhythms from the Baka forest people of Cameroon - hence the name. I'd been introduced to them some years ago by the same friends, and enjoyed their CDs since, but had really no idea of their stage presence. All I can say is wow - the CDs don't really convey the raw energy they bring to their music. Even short one drummer due to illness, they had the place bouncing. This was also my first chance to see legendary Paddy Le Mercier live. Yowsa! That's some mean fiddle, and a bombarde on the side.
Alas, the joint was less than half full. The publicity for their gig was almost nonexistant - I wouldn't have found it if I hadn't been noodling around the net looking for musical diversions for our upcoming vacation. The venue's loss and mostly our gain. As you can see from the accompanying wretched camphone snap, we were right on top of the stage. That's Martin Cradick on guitar, and bassist Sam Djengue taking on a turn on drums, subbing for the absent band member.
If you happen to live in the North Bay, Baka Beyond is playing Thursday night and over the weekend at the Sebastopol Celtic Music Festival. Recommended!