Legendary Orchestra Baobab returns

Thirty years since it formed and 15 years after its departure, the legendary Senegalese group Orchestra Baobab reunited in 2002 to concoct another timeless album. In its day, the Baobab was the most famous and highly regarded group in Senegal. It blended native touches with Latin rhythms, to create something Westerners called Afro-pop. Easily, the star of the record is Barthelemy Attisso's guitar. His concise, melodic playing in each song seems to create perfect counter compositions to the material. The re-recording of the band's signature tune, "On Verra Ca," is a celebration of atmospheric proportions. As noted in the liner notes, all the original musicians present at the original recording were along for the ride 26 years later. Sounding like a cross between Paul Simon's Graceland and the Buena Vista Social Club, Specialist In All Styles is perfect for those who find the fatiguing wankers of Phish too unfocused or the Grateful Dead unmusical. 1982's Pirate's Choice still remains Baobab's masterpiece, but as an introduction, Specialist In All Styles is that and much more.