Recorded in the company of goats and pigs at a barn-turned-studio in Woodstock, N.Y., Bombino’s new album Azel has a title with three pertinent meanings in his native language of Tamasheq. Azel, the place, neighbors Bombino’s Nigerian hometown and is admirable for its schoolhouse, according to a press release. The term also refers to a tree’s roots and stems, symbolizing the singer-songwriter’s groundbreaking blend of native styles with reggae and Western influences. Perhaps most fitting is Azel’s informal connotation: It’s slang for “That’s my jam,” according to the same release. A celebrated advocate for peace and equality for his native Tuareg community, LEAF alumnus Bombino brings his warm and effortlessly intricate guitar playing to The Orange Peel on Sunday, April 3, at 8 p.m. $16/$18. theorangepeel.net. Photo by Marije Kuiper
Smart bets: Bombino
![Bombino](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Bombino1.jpg)
Please don’t sleep on this one! He was absolutely incredible at LEAF. As a fan of rock/dance/funk/prog/reggae and the like I can’t recommend this show enough
Hey dude, thanks for stopping by with the recommendation.