Oakland, CA-based ensemble Orchestra Gold offers a kaleidoscope of sound deeply rooted in the Malian tradition while introducing a genre-bending nod to the future through their rare and artful fusion of African Psychedelic Rock. This original sound with a retro feel results from a decade-long collaboration between Mariam Diakite of Mali and Erich Huffaker of Oakland. The music of Orchestra Gold represents this powerful intersection, transcending borders and boundaries to be a force of healing within the community.
OG’s vibrant sound is spearheaded by the dynamic Mariam Diakite, whose raw, hypnotic vocals deliver heartfelt and thought-provoking lyrics in the highly symbolic Bambara language. While paying homage to Malian musical traditions, this fierce new sound thrives with heavy swinging rhythms, a funky fresh brass section, and cosmic guitar licks. With the January 2023 release of their third album, Medicine, this profoundly spiritual and dance-inducing ensemble continues their pursuit of spreading healing and community through the universal gift of music.
Just last month OG opened for Afrobeat living legend Ebo Taylor at The UC Theatre, and they’ve performed live at Treefort, Oakland Museum of California, Bandcamp, Commissioned for Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, and Joshua Tree Music Festival.
Orchestra Gold’s new studio album Medicine is out now on vinyl, CD and all digital/streaming platforms. Click here to order.
Next Friday, Jan 20th Orchestra GOLD will be celebrating the release of their long-awaited album, Medicine, with a special Album Release Show at Bandcamp’s Record Store and Performance Space in Oakland, CA. The theme of this record is the medicinal role of music in the lives of the members of OG. This evening offers a punctuation mark to that expression. For this special occasion, they’ll be bringing together a talented and diverse set of collaborators in the arts to give attendees a dose of the medicine that we could all use.
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