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. 12/13/22, 11:57 AM AFRICAN PSYCH-ROCK ENSEMBLE ORCHESTRA GOLD DROPS NEW "KONIYA" SINGLE | NEW LP OUT 01/20/23.
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 will be available on vinyl, CD and all digital/streaming platforms on January 20, 2023. Orchestra Gold’s new single "Koniya" drops on all digital and streaming platforms December 7th. ORCHESTRA GOLD (credit: Ginger Fierstein).
The new single ‘Keleya’ by African psychedelic rock group Orchestra Gold hits you with a certain level of profundity, cosmic swirl, and Fela-like groove.
Mariam Diakite delivers raw, mesmerizing vocals.
Attacking saxophone charts, measured bass lines, and galvanic meter serve as the ideal foundation for expanding guitar lines that squall through.
In a nutshell, it’s dope.
John-Paul Shiver, 48 HILLS "'Keleya (Jealousy)' combines brass horns along with cosmic guitar licks to a hypnotic effect.
This is the kind of music you can truly get lost in."IF IT'S TOO LOUD “ They are grounded in tradition and moving the conversation of African diasporic music forward.
The album implores the listener to join in and get lost in the magic.