Thursday, September 03, 2009

The Songbird

Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 were the headliner on the main stage on Bluesfest's second day. I recall buying one of his albums and finding it a bit laid-back for my tastes. Instead I went off to see Oumou Sangare, the Songbird of Wassulu, on the Black Sheep Stage. As I've said before, its world music offerings are almost always the best use of your time if no other act is catching your eye or ear.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Her lively backup singers - I believe the lass on the right is Sangare's daughter.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

The songbird herself.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Her stoic kamale ngoni player.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

I didn't get anyone else's name.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

A little (out-of-focus) tossed percussion.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Possible most fun musical instrument ever.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

More cheerful percussion from the djembe player.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

More Oumou!

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Whole lotta shakin' goin' on.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Singalong action!

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

More shaking!

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

I like her earrings.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

She introduced everyone, but I promptly forgot their names.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

At least it was an opportunity to snap the rest of the band.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

The soku player.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

The flautist gets in a bit of singing.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

And some final shaking.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Good night all! That's Living Colour's Will Calhoun at right.

Oumou Sangare at Ottawa Bluesfest 2009

Really, it's hard to miss with The Black Sheep Stage.

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