The first song i had ever heard of Bombino was Tar Hani. I was immediately captured by the incredible groove layered with Bombino's amazing guitar threads and licks, and punctuated by a haunting vocal refrain that came around every once in a while to balance the fantastic jam. Tar Hani was being given away on the web site and i have listened to it quite a number of times, more then i have for any new song i have listened to in many years.
So i decided to go she him live as the next obvious step since he was going to be in Brighton just twenty minutes from where i live. I am really glad i went. Bombino started off quietly with a very traditional tune of roots Tuareg heritage with just a drummer accompanying. Then the rest of the musicians came on stage and they started rocking. A couple of fast hard driving beat tunes got everyone moving. Some numbers in 3 time that were interesting. Then to wrap it up he delivered as he said he would when i met Bombino outside Brighton Music Hall while the intro act was still doing sound check, Tar Hani (read below about favorite moment).
During some of the songs while Bombino was delivering his soul searching guitar lines that would reach in and grab you like he was talking to just you, he would also be literally bouncing around on stage sort of in an ecstatic frenzy bounce that was energizing to watch. It was a fantastic musical event that i will not forget and look forward to seeing Bombino again. I think he would fit in well at the Gathering of the Vibes as the band really is a jam band with strong Tuareg musical roots anchoring the sound.
Guess i will have to say, don't miss him if he is playing anywhere near you.
Brighton Music Hall @
- Boston @
, MA @
- Thu, Jul 14, 2011 @
Favorite moment: They must have done about a 20 minute Tar Hani that was as groovacious and rocking a live rendition as i could have wanted. @
Setlist: Tar Hani (last song). @
Opening act(s): Atlas Soul was quite enjoyable with flavors of arabic sound securely mixed in the mix. Was a great opening act for Bombino. @