Ag Kaedy, Ahmed
Orion Congregation
"Orion Congregation" is the fruit of a collaboration that will leave anyone enamored with the desert sound that has recently captured the imagination of music fans worldwide in a state of simultaneous surprise and elation. This live recording perfectly captures the palpable raw excitement of a particularly memorable evening. It was the concluding date of a series of packed concerts which took place in various venues around Berlin in June 2017. Led by Ahmed Ag Kaedy's entrancing guitar licks, which seamlessly merge blues and rock with the traditional "Assouf"-style of his homeland, the pace soon quickens as the band pick up the gauntlet. The double-drummer, double-keyboard line-up produces a genuine Sensurround sound, enhanced by depth charge levels of bass action, blasts of saxophone fury and storm clouds of electronic whooshes, sending the listener on a sonic rollercoaster with the controls set to the furthest constellation, with the volcanic drumming of Mahalmadane Traore acting as rocket fuel. The audience hollers and whistles that crop up from time to time are an accurate reflection of the electric atmosphere that pervaded at every gig.