Orchestra Gold

Orchestra Gold was co-founded by drummer and guitarist Erich Huffaker, who met singer-dancer Mariam Diakité while he was in Mali, realized they both shared a deep love for the '70s era Malian music that combined local traditions with Jimi Hendrix influenced, blues-based, heavy, dirty rock. The two were eventually able to set up their base in Oakland, California, connect with local musicians, and begin to play in that particular style. Their music is highly energetic, percussive, and loud with plenty of guitar fuzz. It is related to the Desert Blues, originally introduced to the West by Ali Farka Touré and followed by bands like Tinariwen, except it has a harsher, more rock oriented bend. They also have a horn section that plays up front and center. Diakité, who sings in her native Bambara, is simply a treasure.