Chronique #69 - Reginald Policard

[Serge Bellegarde*]

Chronique musicale

It is probably not the first time that I say this, but I will be glad to repeat it: some musicians always exceed their previous performance and constantly produce quality music. That is not easy. In my humble opinion, Reginald Policard is such a musician. Ever since he has been producing solo albums, every single one of them is either as good as the previous one, or better. Policard’s latest CD; “Gade’w” is testimony of the high caliber of music that he is playing.

The opening tune, also the title of the CD, is played on a konpa beat and the arrangements are simply excellent. The brass does a beautiful job. Policard’s piano is most harmonious, sensitive, subtle and to the point. I particularly appreciate how he sets up his solos and makes them so accessible to the listener.

Tune No. 2, A felicidade, by Antonio Carlos Jobim, is a gem of an arr
angement. Some of these chords are out of this world and this is the kind of arrangements that you never tire of listening. My hats off to the musicians on this CD. Edgard Depestre, Ed Calle, Richard Barbot and many more. Herby Widmaier “La Fleur d’Amour”, receives a wonderful treatment. The bass line is simply excellent and the big band sound of the brass arrangements remind me of the Duke Ellington’ Orchestra. And pay close attention to Policard’s piano underneath the singing. Just exquisite! His dexterity is most evident also on Tune No. 5, 50/50, played on a nice salsa beat.

In my mind, Reginald Policard’s music has reached a tremendous level of sophistication while maintaining a very local touch. Tune No. 7, Diane, is quite illustrative of this sophisticated simplicity which denotes the maturity of the musicians. His arrangements reflect the quiet ease and assurance with which he approaches the music. Every single one of the tunes is a gem. I frankly cannot tell you which one sounds better. Thi
s is one of the best albums to have come out toward the end of 2003 and I said it about Policard’s previous CD: how is he going to top this CD? Well, I will not even ask the question this time. Policard surprises me every time. I will just say that I cannot wait for the next CD and if you have not bought this one, I highly recommend it for your collection, it is a gem of a CD!.

Serge Bellegarde
For Windows on Haiti
May 2004