Album Notes

Blending Malian, American and "Dirty South" influences into a sound all its own, Toubab Krewe "has set a new standard for fusions of rock 'n' roll and West African music," says Banning Eyre at Afropop Worldwide.

Members of the group developed their unique sound over the course of numerous extended trips to West Africa, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and studied and performed with musicians such as Lamine Soumano, Vieux Kante, Madou Dembele and Koungbanan Conde.

The magnetic instrumental quintet formed in early 2005 and has attracted a diverse and devoted national following, captivating crowds everywhere from the Bonnaroo and High Sierra music festivals to the Blue Note and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Their energetic performances and acclaimed self-titled debut have won them praise from the New York Times, Global Rhythm, Afropop Worldwide and more.

What Others Say About this Phenomenal Record:

Village Voice -- Bosler:

"...man oh man, can these Asheville, North Carolinians play—not just the six-string, but the kora and ngoni too. Their superb self-titled debut melds said Malian styles with American rock and Latin rhythms."

Seven Days -- Casey Rea:

"Toubab Krewe are where Ali Farka Toure and Led Zeppelin meet."

NPR's "World Cafe" -- David Dye:

"Toubab Krewe's sound combines traditional West African rhythms and instruments with classic Southern rock, hip-hop, reggae, country and Latin sounds for a unique listening experience. By not confining itself to one genre, Toubab Krewe has the potential to bring its worldly and unpredictable music to a mainstream audience."

fRoots Magazine (London)-- Ian Anderson: 

"...ladies and gentlemen, possibly the world's first Wassoulou surf guitar on record. The groove they lay down is phenomenal...'"

World Music Central -- Tom Orr:

"Crinkly guitar riffs, freewheeling acoustic and electric solos, chattering percussion and an edgy blend of of authenticity and unpredictability grace tunes both blazing and cool... Alternately hard as diamonds and smooth as silk, this excellent release is one of the best of the year."

The Boston Herald -- Christopher Blagg:

"...expertly meshed surf guitar with Malian rhythmic patterns, a Dick Dale moves-to-Timbuktu experiment in Afro-California fusion."

TOUBAB KREWE is:

Teal Brown: Drumset
Drew Heller: Electric Guitar, Soku
Justin Perkins: Kamel Ngoni, Kora, and Electric Guitar
David Pransky: Electric Bass
Luke Quaranta: Percussion