New African Orleans: Alune Wade

Bassist and composer Alune Wade’s newest project New African Orleans explores the diverse connections between his West African rhythms, Lagos Afrobeat, and the immortal brass band repertoire of New Orleans. “I am delving into a world that stretches from my roots to the lost branches on the other side of the Atlantic,” explains the Senegalese musician. He has distilled about 50 compositions—both originals and standards—into a dozen, and recorded an album in Paris, Dakar, Lagos, and New Orleans. “The idea first came to me during the Jazz à Gorée Festival I organized in 2014,” he explains. “It got me thinking about reversing the musical journey most people take from the United States to the African continent. I wanted to head west and engage in a musical dialogue with the finest artists, both in Nigeria and the USA.” The music features reinterpretations of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child,” and Fela Kuti’s “Water No Get Enemy,” as well as original compositions that explore the New Orleans sound from Alune’s musical perspective. One standout track, “From Congo to Square,” featuring iconic artists, narrates the journey of brass band music from its origins in West Africa to its evolution under oppression and violence, symbolizing the enduring impact of African musical heritage.

There will be a pre show conversion.

The Band:

Alune Wade Bass, Vocal (Senegal)
Harry Ahonlonsou, Sax (Benin)
Victor Ademofe Trumpet, Percussion, Talking drum (Nigeria)
Cedric Duchemann piano, keyboards (Reunion Island)
Alix Goffic Drums (Guyana)
Leah Concialdi : Baritone Sax (USA)
Corbin Jones : Sousaphone (USA)