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    Saturday, November 02, 2024

    Welcoming the great Bombino

    It’s always been true that, for every successful musical artist — justifiably famous or not — there are hundreds just as good who remain anonymous. In terms of American “awareness,” the large percentage of casual music fans are spoon fed a bland diet of predetermined stars.

    Bombino performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, on Friday, April 29, 2022, in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

    This explains why so few are aware of Nigerian blues/roots/rock guitarist Bombino, who graces the stage at Westerly’s United Theatre on Friday. Globally traveled and influenced by a fertile slice of blues artists, indigenous music and his own wellspring of talent and imagination, Bombino is slowly gaining traction here in the States.

    Bombino has worked with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, who produced the artist’s “Nomad” album, as well as David Lonstreth of the Dirty Projectors, who helmed the guitarist’s “Azel” CD. Bombino’s subsequent “Deran” was nominated for Best World Music Album at the 2019 Grammys, and his latest recording, “Sahel,” came out this week.

    America is indeed catching on to this remarkable artist — and this is a perfect time to see him live.

    Bombino, 8 p.m. Friday, United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly; $25-$30; unitedtheatre.org.

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