The band:
Martin Cradick, co-founder of the band "Outback"
with didgeridoo virtuoso Graham Wiggins, has been the
guitarist and driving force behind Baka Beyond since the
recording of their first album, "Spirit of the Forest" in
1993.
Paddy Le Mercier is a wild Breton fiddler, and has
been playing with Martin since pre Outback days. He was a
member of the French folk-rock band, Malicorne before
joining Outback and then Baka Beyond. His violin ranges from
Celtic to Gypsy Jazz through shades of Jimi Hendrix.
Su Hart has also been with Baka Beyond since the
start. She travelled to the Baka Pygmies with Martin where
she learned the womens' songs and vocal techniques. When not
touring or recording she teaches about the life and music of
the Baka around the UK.
Nii Tagoe is a percussionist and dancer from
Ghana. He originally came to Britain as principal dancer and
drummer in the Aijido dance company, has toured with African
Headcharge and runs dynamic African dance classes. He brings
a raw energy to the music and an expert knowledge of Ghana's
wealth of musical traditions and rhythmic diversity.
Ayodele Scott is a performer from Sierra Leone. As
well as leading the African music and theatre troupe Kabudu,
he has been playing percussion with Baka Beyond for the last
2 years. His theatrical experience and musicality learned on
the streets of Freetown make him a powerful performer on
stage and a gentle presence in the music.
Martin met Lakh Niasse, a dynamic young drummer
from Senegal, when he was recording his band Casumai in Ziguinchor, Senegal. When a
vacancy for the job of drummer in the band came up he was
the obvious choice. Unfortunately the British Home Office refused him a visa this year, so he has been unable to tour with us. His place has been filled during our 2000 gigs by:
Seckou Keita. Over the last couple of years Seckou has occasionally played percussion for Baka Beyond. He also supported us at our Jazz Cafe gig playing the kora and singing. When he said that he could play the drum kit as well, knowing his outstanding ability on both the kora and the djembe, Martin had no hesitation in recruiting him as a drummer.
Martin first heard Eleanor Churchlow singing when,
as a 9 year old she sang Patti Smith songs on a mobile stage
Martin used to take round the country. Ten years later she
is adding vibrancy to the live shows and beautiful harmonies
to the music.
Sam Djengue from Cameroon is one of the top session
bassists on the African music circuit in Europe. His playing
adds an authentic African groove that compliments the Celtic
influences of the other melody players.
Sam replaces Mark Pinto who has played with Baka
Beyond since 1995. Mark is retiring from touring to
concentrate on his music and composition studies. He
contributes to several tracks on "Sogo"
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