Tribute to Ndiouga Dieng

Senegalese band Orchestra Baobab’s first album in a decade—and first in the wake of longtime vocalist Ndiouga Dieng’s death—continues to refine their hybrid West African and Cuban styles, a simmering, nocturnal sound at once effortless and totally in control. The biggest change here is the addition of the kora, a harp-like instrument that adds dreamy counterpoint to the band’s natural punch, texturing standouts like “Fayinkounko” and “Natalia.” Of special sweetness is the old standby “Sey,” featuring singer Thione Seck, who left the band in 1979.