ORCHESTRE NATIONAL DE BARBÈS

Organisation: World Music Promotion

Time: 25 May 2011 7:00pm -

Place: IndigO2, Peninsula Square, London SE10

World Music Promotion Presents:

ORCHESTRE NATIONAL DE BARBÈS

Super French/North African Band Orchestre National de Barbès comes to London’s indigO2 for the first time.

The opening number, Sidi Yahia-bnef Paris, effortlessly mixes elements of Gnawa trance with a low-slung growling rock riff that the Clash’s Mick Jones would have been proud of, and a simple swinging hip-hop rhythm. It’s not the first time we’ve heard this kind of fusion of rai, rock and hip-hop, but it’s rare to hear it executed with the kind of apparently effortless swagger that only a band with real chemistry can pull off. Then it’s straight into Chkoun, a rather more generic Ska number that could have been performed by any of the band from St Ives or St Petersburg. But then No No No has the breezy laissez-faire spring in its step of those Marseille gentlemen Moussu T, and Chorfa takes the solid rock-steady path.

But it’s an indication that this ten-piece band from the Barbès district of Paris are at the top of their game because they can dabble in a dozen different styles, yet still have their own distinct sound which is recognisable after only a few bars. Having been fairly quiet for almost ten years, they returned in 2008 with the confident and high-spirited Alik and Rendez–vous Barbès consolidates that return with its jaunty, agreeably rough-round the edge rowdiness. Long may they continue to mix Middle Eastern and African grooves with Parisian panache and bravado. It’s rare for music to be this fun without for one moment becoming superficial. Fans of both Rachid Taha and Les Negresses Vertes should investigate.

Supporting Orchestre National de Barbès are two brilliant artists: DJ U-Cef - Morocco/UK, "U-Cef's potential is as limitless as the Sahara" (Chris Nickson, All Music Guide) and Alejandro Toledo & The Magic Tombolinos spellbinding cross-cultural quintet.

World Music Promotion is partnering with Songlines magazine and anyone buying a ticket for the show, will be able to get a free CD copy of the latest ONB album when subscribing to Songlines.

Wednesday 25 May 2011 | 19:00

IndigO2
The O2
Peninsula Square
London
SE10 0DX

TICKETS: £15, £24, £27, £30 (booking fees apply) | BOOK ONLINE or CALL 0844 856 0202

For more information visit:
www.worldmusicpromotion.com