Chronique no. 19 | Chronique Index
A few weeks ago, I reviewed Serge Duviella’s album « Synthèse ». If you liked it, most likely, you love this one too.. Aquarelles by Serge Duviella is as harmonious and tasteful as « Synthèse ». There are fourteen songs on the album and they all sound nice, with beautiful arrangements. Six of the songs were written by Duviella who also shows his talents as a composer besides his skills as an arranger. Listen for example to the 4th tune : « Ou te di’m », by the group Zèklè. It’s a joy. I particularly like the interpretation of the song « Manman » by the venerable « Jazz des Jeunes ». It is just wonderful. For those among you feeling real mellow, this is the type of album you listen to either after dinner, for a better digestion, or with your girlfriend, fiancee or future wife, during a period of heavy courtship. Believe me, the music will go a long way toward solving problems.
Haitian Roots Music- Mizik rasin has heavily contributed not only to a cultural revival in Haiti, but also to a better understanding of Haitian culture by many non-Haitians. Just as non-Haitians have become very fluent in Haitian Kreyòl, so too have many done a great job in learning to play Mizik Rasin. The album « Vodou Beat » by the Group Simbi is not new. In fact, it was recorded in 1992, not in Haiti or Miami or New York, but in Sweden. As I listened to it again it sounded as fresh as ever. The musicians are all Swedish citizens and they sing all the songs in Haitian Kreyòl. The arrangements are superb as modern jazz - rock phrases are superimposed on the most traditional Haitian rythms. As you listen to these musicians singing, you would never guess that they come from so far away and from a culture so different from ours. They obviously did their homework when they went to Haiti to participate in different activities at the time, such as the 200th anniversary of the Bwa Kayiman ceremony. They interpret some of the most traditional Haitian songs such as « Rasanbleman » by Toto Bissainthe », or write their own songs which you would never guess, are compositions by non-Haitian. Listen to the 4th tune « Frè ‘o », for example. This is a beautiful haunting melody written by Henrik Cederblom and Sten Kallman, two of the seven musicians who make up the Group, four of which are women. The eighth tune is an arrangement of Boukman Eksperyans’ Pwazon Rat. You know, I like it better than the original. The singing, the infectious rhythm are an absolute delight. You can’t sit still listening to it. I do not know if the Group has produced anything since this album and I do not even know if it is still in existence. This CD is probably not easy to find.The management is by « Immigrant Record Inc. » in Montréal. Folks , this is an absolutely « Must have CD » , the kind you want to have in your collection of rare and original works.
Back in 1993, a very nice album came out « Pye bèf » out of Miami. The Group disapeared quickly after the launching the CD. This is unfortunate. All the songs are nice and the lyrics are very good, toughtful and carry a message. Pyebèf was a group of committted artists ; there is no doubt about that. 2 of the 8 songs were written by Howard University Professor Serge Madhère, an extremely competent Sociology professor and a very able composer too. The album came out in 1993 and I have not heard anything from the Group since. The arrangements are excellent and that was to be expected with the participation of the Jean-Pierre brothers, Assel, Welmyr and Kinelly. They have become like the Déjean brothers. Once you see their names of the cover of an album, you know the music has to be good. This album is still available in Haitian Records stores ; you might have to do some research before you find it , but it will be worth it, I guarantee it. I highly recommend « Pye bèf » as an addition to your collection.
In other news
As fas as I know, the news continue to be that « Les Ambassadeurs » vill travel indeed to Haiti. Although plans have not been finalized yet, it looks like they might play in different citiess in Haiti. I will keep you posted. Meanwhile, I understand that Emmeline Michel is still working on the release of a new CD. I am waiting for it with impatience. She is scheduled to be in concert in the Washington D.C. area on the May 29, 1999. It seems also that John Steve Brunache is working on a CD. I reviewed his previous CD in an earlier Chronique and I am looking forward to his new one.
Serge Bellegarde