CD Review no. 60 | All CD Reviews

As one follows the evolution of Haitian music, it is interesting to note that every 10 to 15 years or so, some upheaval occurs in Haitian Konpa dirèk. Did Fabrice Rouzier, Kéké Bélizaire and company foresaw that their « Haiti Twoubadou » (see Chronique No. 58) would signal this cyclical movement ? Probably not. But it has been happening. Although in my point of view, no « Twoubadou » album has come close to the original Haiti Twoubadou, I find that Roger Eugène « Shoubou »’s new release Shou..Badou quite enjoyable. This is Shoubou’s first solo album , even though he has occasionnaly performed as special guest here and there with other groups.

Unlike what I have listened to in the past, I find that Shoubou’s CD is not just another imitation, even though the sound is all twoubadou style anchored from time to time by some Coupe Cloue sound. This is just a nice sound ! Credit should probably be given to the excellent cast of veteran musicians Shoubou put tothether to support him : the omnipresent Ricardo Frank "Ti-Plume" on the guitar, Djo Charles on the bass, Tico Pasquet on the drums, Daniel Pierre on the keyboard, Sergo Decius on the congas and Jose Correa on the maracas. Among them , the rythm is infectious. What a team ! The musicians fit so well with each other to create this beat that makes you move despite of yourself.

Listen to Ti Plume’s strumming, Djo Charles’ bass lines and Tico Pasquet’s drums. This is the perfect combination. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed Charles’ bass lines throughout the CD. He has a knack to find the right bass pattern. On the keyboard, Daniel Pierre does a very good job at not overwhelming the song ; he is unobtrusive, playing just what is necessary to enhance Shoubou who is just equal to himself. His voice has remained amazingly unchanged after more than 25 years of singing and touring all over the world. Shoubou did a wonderful job choosing the songs on the CD. While I enjoyed all the songs on the album, my favorite is without doubt tune No. 2, « Yo ». As far as I am concerned, this one of the best tunes in Tabou Combo’s repertoire. While the original is wonderful, Shoubou’s treatment on this CD is excellent. The keyboard sound, the bass lines, guitar strumming and Shoubou’s singing and the poignant lyrics, the background voices, combine to make this song a hit in my book. I also like how Shoubou takes us back memory lanes with tunes No. 4 – Andréa; No, 7 – Benita ; 8 - Gisèle and 9 - Paulette.

As I said earlier, what I appreciate most about this CD, is that it is not just one of those pale imitations and I command Shoubou for having chosen these musicians to help him come up with this sound. This is a treat. My only criticism has to do with the mixing of the guitar. I find that it should have been brought out more. Ti Plume does such an excellent job of strumming that it is a pity that you have to strain sometimes to hear some of the subtleties he does on his instrument. Having said that, this a CD to add to your collection, next to your Haiti Twoubadou series. It is worth it, believe me .

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From Shou..Badou, we move on to a CD which I acquired recently only because of the musicians featured in it. How can you go wrong with konpa artists like André Déjean, Yves Albert Abel, Makarios Césaire, Tuco Bouzi, Prince ello, Gracia Delva, Nestor Azerot, Denis Nozile, Joe Charles and many more. Indeed, I was right. "Compalogie" is an excellent Konpa CD which brings together a number of your favorite Konpa singers like Gracia Delva (Zenglen), Prince ello (formerly of D’Zine) ; Freddy (Top Vice), Jackito, Stanley Toussaint adn so on.

This is a solid Konpa album. The rythm is tight, the arrangements are very nice and the mixing is very good. One of my favorite tunes is definitely tune no. 3, « Ayiti pasyon ». This is a kind of medley cleverly put together. The song, the theme of which is Haiti, has a series of interludes as Freddy and Jackito move from one famous melody to another, obviously having a lot of fun. This is the tone of the album : fun, fun and more fun. The producer, Serge Descard, a Haitian who has been living in Europe for more than 20 years, has obviously remained a Konpa fanatic in close contact with the music, paying keen attention to its evolution. Indeed, it shows. Besides being the producer, he is also listed as the author and composer. You can feel he put his heart in this album. My hats off to him for having chosen such an impressive list of musicians to support him on this project! What a job he did!

So, if you like Konpa dirèk, this is an album you may want to add to your Konpa collection.

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Speaking of Tuco Bouzi, we had not heard from him in a little while and after picking up his latest work, I understand why. Tucando-Volume 1, is a bang. If the title reminds you of « Haitiando », then you are right. Obviously the whole concept behind this CD was inspired by the Haitiando series and I like it.

If you used to listen to his Group Dixie Band, Tuco has always had a penchant for Latin music and he must have finally fulfilled his dream with this CD. Like Haitiando, he plays very familiar Haitian tunes on a salsa beat which will make you get up and carry you to the dance floor. To help with this project, he called upon the original singers for these tunes, like for example Cubano (Ska Sha) ; Assad Frankeur, Shoubou (Tabou Combo) ; Freddy (Top Vice) and many more. He also added a brass section which does a beautiful job. You should hear « Ti Carol » (Nemours Jean-Baptiste) ; « Dans la vie » (Ska Sha) on a salsa. You just would not think of that. That is why the Tuco’s idea was quite original and the result is a beautiful CD for Latin music lovers. The rythm is infectious and this is excellent dancing music. Listen to tunes no. 2 , or 3 or 5 , 6 , 7 and so on. In other words, the whole album.

This is Volume 1 and I cannot wait for Volume 2. There is so much material to record. Once more, Haitians are proving that they are at ease playing any kind of rythm in this part of the world. Would you imagine a huge concert or party with Haitiando and Tucando. What a treat that would be !. Never mind, I was just dreaming out loud….. Meanwhile, I would recommend that you run to your favorite record store and buy your copy of « Tucando-Volume 1 ». It is really an album to have and enjoy at your next party.

Serge Bellegarde
For Windows on Haiti