Music
Press
'It's rare to hear such aperfect combination of voice, guitar and percussion' - Charlie Gillett BBC Radio
Laye Sow displayed a wonderful ability to paint pictures with his voice and delivered a faultless set. WOMAD was off to a great start! - Songlines
Superbly funky and dance happy - Larmer Tree Festival
Laye's Sow's fine and charismatic showmanship formed a perfect front foe this friendly, joyful band with their irresistible rhythms - Pippa Howell Frome Festival
This band have the same power and feel as Youssou N'Dour and Baba Maal when they first played here. They are a very strong band. - Wala Danga Africa Centre London
This is the best African band I've seen for 15 years - Paul Knowles Cinderford Festival
As temperatures rose it was an authentic West African experience as Laye Sow and hisexcellent band played to a packed gyrating audience. Superb. - Marlborough Jazz
Discography
Mami 2003 - Produced by Steve Marshall, Record Label Studio 2000 (Senegal)
Djamano 2004/5- Produced by Steve Marshall, Record Label Orange World
Presidents Album - Produced by Laye Sow, Record
Label Studio 2000(Senegal)
So Far - Produced Laye Sow, Record Label Music Directions Due for release August 2008
Numerous compilations including Acoustic Africa, Sahara - Blues of the Desert.
Laye is well known on TV and radio in Senegal and has performed numerous times for the World Service and other stations. Recently his performance from the Liverpool 08 Echo Arena opening was shown on the BBC2 Culture Show.
Photos
Bio
Laye Sow and his supporting musicians are all well known professionals who have learnt their craft with the best known West African musicians and the Orchestra National of Senegal. The rhythms of West Africa are their foundations but these are intertwined with the music and rhythms of the West resulting in their unique style. The music of Africa which crossed the seas with slavery has now come back to Africa to pollinate the traditional sounds.
At the age of ten Laye Sow was charming the audiences at the Jazz Festival in St Louis, Senegal when he was spotted by the legendary Senegalese singer - Papa Seck. Recognising the extraordinary vocal talant of this young boy he arranged for him to be auditioned at the National Music School. Passing this test easily Laye was soon following in the footsteps of Youssou N'Dour and Baaba Maal. After graduating he became lead singer of the National Orchestra.
The Orchestra National is made up of the cream of Senegalese musicians. This Government sponsored Orchestra acts as an ambassador to Senegal supporting national celebrations, events and performing throughout Africa.
At twenty five Laye formed - Jelitara Futa. For the next 16 years the band played in Africa and Internationally. Performing at WOMAD (UK and Spain), Glastonbury, Wurzburg, Live 8, National Theatre UK and numerous other venues.
Laye worked on solo projects for the next three years including the music for the Presidential elections in Senegal before returning to the UK in 2008 to record his new album SO FAR which is due for release 2008.
So what of the new album? Here we find the performer again. The man who can hit the notes that makes the hair on the back of your neck curl. The man who with a twitch of his shirt has the audience teased into dancing and singing. The West African Blues have been left behind this time and in their place are the rhythms of Reggae, Reggae Dub, Cha, Cha, Cha, Mbalax and Salsa. Music to drive to, music to dance to and music to be moved by....and a great audience to be flirted with! This is modern West African music at it's best.
All gigs this year have been sell outs and have produced many encores leaving the audiences with smiles on their faces.
For more information, music, pictures etc. Check out www.myspace.com/layesow1 and put his name into Google.
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