Bamako Airlines
Austin, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | SELF
Music
Press
This lineup of Austin-based Bamako Airlines is fairly new for this type of Afro-pop trip, but they know what they’re doing. Absorbing influences from Mali to Madagascar, and citing Oumou Sangare, Amadou & Mariam, and Tarika as inspirations, Bamako Airlines is an unusual fusion for the region, but one that is desperately needed. Singer Meera Chandrasekaran was trained as a child in the complex art of Indian classical music; guitarist Michael May studied music in Zimbabwe, and they’ve both been playing for years with trumpet player and frequent arranger Brian Carr. The last to join are Dream Team-caliber: Greg Goodman (Sexto Sol) a versatile, elegant, precise and groovy musician in his own right; lead guitarist Michael Goldsmith offers dead-on replicas of North Indian licks; and saxophonist Ryan McCormack has led the Afro-pop ensemble at UT Austin. The killer percussion section is handled by Brazilian-trained drummer David Justh and Jakes Srinivasan (if he could play with both Oliver Rajamani and his complete opposite Kiko Villamizar, chances are he can get by with Afro-pop). This is the type of show that, if it works, marks the birth of a new regional force. $10, 9:30pm, Luna, 6740 San Pedro, (210) 804-2433, lunalive.com. - San Antonio Current
Octet fronted by singer Meera Chandrasekaran (with Sexto Sol’s Greg Goodman on the bass) plays Afro-pop, one of the most infectious brands of music going. While Afro-pop has plenty of dance-inducing rhythms, there’s also an abundance of cool guitar and horn work — enough to keep even the severely dancing-challenged entertained. - My San Antonio
Octet fronted by singer Meera Chandrasekaran (with Sexto Sol’s Greg Goodman on the bass) plays Afro-pop, one of the most infectious brands of music going. While Afro-pop has plenty of dance-inducing rhythms, there’s also an abundance of cool guitar and horn work — enough to keep even the severely dancing-challenged entertained. - My San Antonio
Performances and interview by Michael Crockett on KUT's world music radio show Horizontes. - KUT
Performances and interview by Michael Crockett on KUT's world music radio show Horizontes. - KUT
Discography
Bamako Airlines - EP - Release date Dec. 15th, 2012
Ruwa - EP - Release date July 15th, 2017
Photos
Bio
Even for the Live Music Capital of the World, Bamako Airlines plays a style of music not commonly heard. Audiences are drawn to the catchy horn riffs, intricate guitar patterns, danceable beats, and powerful call-and-response vocals. Few bands offer such an adrenaline-rushing tour of the African continent. Named after the capital of Mali, Bamako Airlines has steadily grown a following and is working toward releasing their second EP in the near future.
“If you close your eyes, you’d never know!” exclaimed members of Kenyan band Sauti Sol, commenting on the contrast between the authentic sounds of the Afrocentric band and their deceiving appearance.
Bamako Airlines is composed of nine veteran musicians who love the polyrhythmic, electric nature of 1970s’ era Afropop. Subtle hints of jazz, Latin, rock, and Indian classical music surface. Covering rare tunes from the African subcontinent, as well as original songs, Bamako Airlines has Austinites dancing. The band has shared with stage with Oliver Mtukudzi, Sauti Sol, Poi Dog Pondering, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, and Austin’s Golden Dawn Arkestra.
Their second EP, Ruwa, will be released in July 2017.
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Band Members
Links
