Straight out of Niger, Mamar Kassey pulls off a seamless mix of electric guitar and bass and traditional drums, lutes and flute. The songs, sung in three African languages, are quick and intricate with a Gnawa, trance-like feel and a hint of juju generated by two drummers with a simple but effective set up: one plays a talking drum and hand drum the other half a gourd shell miked from underneath.
Mamar Kassey play the Cat’s Cradle on Tuesday, Aug. 31. Check the Cradle Web site, www.catscradle.com, for times. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of the show.