With the end of the year getting closer and closer, the traditional bumper crop of new CDs is occurring. As I had announced in the previous Chronique, many artists are coming out. Among the first ones, let us mention the latest CD from Phantom and King Kino. Phantom’s fans will find plenty to enjoy. Some of the tunes are nice. To me, the most interesting aspect of this CD is the continuous search of Phantom for a new sound. The introduction to some of those tunes is quite innovative, such as the phone call to King Kino, or the jazz intro etc. King Kino demonstrates one more time that he knows how to sing, how to make some modulations which are rather difficult. I like the background vocals with its distinct gospel sound, as was so obvious in the three previous albums, most notably in the beautiful song entitled "Priye". As in those albums, one can feel the effort to come up with something new. But, there is no big surprise. Those who like Phantom and King Kino will stick to their band, those who are indifferent will probably remain so.
It may sound repetitive, but it seems these days that anyone looking for some serious jazzed up musical arrangements turn to one musician, Eddy Prophète. He is featured on another excellent CD made in Japan, along with Eval Manigat on bass, Boulo Valcourt on guitar and Joël Widmaier on battery. On lead vocal is Lenord Fortuné, better known as Azor. The CD is entitled Azor and Friends and it is wonderful. All the songs are traditional folkloric Haitian songs jazzed up by Eddy on piano. Azor of course is no stranger to our folklore and shows that he is not only a singer, but an excellent conga player. Just listen to his solos on the different tunes and you will agree with this assessment. Manigat and Widmaier provide excellent support. The sad part of it all is that Azor is in very bad health, in fact in a critical state of health and this CD is sold as a means to help him. It is unfortunate, because this collaboration proved to be a most successful one. This CD is available in Haiti and I hope that it is available abroad soon.
I believe it is his first solo album. I am referring to Herman Nau, Tabou Combo’s legendary drummer. He was probably one of the last well-known musicians to have a solo album. Entitled "A la source", it sounds nice without being necessarily a blockbuster. Of course, you can pick up Tabou’s sound. The mixing is very good and there is a very nice Medley de Noël, just in time for Christmas. This tune is all over the airwaves in Haiti, already in full swing for the holidays.
Meanwhile, Magnum Band’s fans will be happy to know that Dadou Pasquet has just launched a CD called: Les Archives de Dadou Pasquet. He is one of my two favorite Haitian singers, the other one being Lionel Benjamin. This CD is a collection of Dadou’s greatest hits. With his sometimes silky, sometimes raspy voice, supported by his beautiful guitar style, Dadou Pasquet has been and remains at the top of my chart. Magnum Band’s fans, this two CD set is an excellent gift to yourself for the holidays and for the party you surely are already planning.
Stay tuned
As I announced previously, we can expect a cornucopia of CDs for the holidays. In the next two weeks, Strings will launch its second CD. Ulrich Tuco Bouzi has put out another CD "Les Rois du Compas". A new group called "Ti Dòz" is just launching its first CD in Haiti. An excellent female singer, Rosy Cadet has launched her first CD, and there is more coming. So stay tuned and watch you wallet!
Serge Bellegarde