Chronique no. 26 | Chronique Index

In my continuous search for new sound, recently in New York, I discovered just that. Vision is the new kid on the block and I guess it could be classified among the so-called New Generation music. Not knowing what to expect, I must say I was happily surprised. The group plays some nice Konpa Dirčk. If you expect a drastic departure from your traditional Konpa Dirčk, that is not the case, but the group has a nice groove, the music flows and it is nice dancing music. What impressed me most though is the writing. The lyrics are very meaningful , each song has a theme and the melodies are nice. You get the message for example with the first song entitled "Ayiti", which is a strong appeal to Haitians to get together so that we can all save Haiti, because in any case this is the only place we can go back to. The second tune is a nice tribute to the mother. No. 5 is a ringing tribute to the woman, someone we should "respect, adore and honor....". Even when the band treats a subject as common as love and separation in tune No. 6 and 7, the lyrics do not sound flat and monotonous as it happens too often with other Haitian bands. On the bass, is Yves Albert Abel who provides, as usual, very steady support to the music. Interestingly, as far as I can remember, this is the first Haitian Konpa group which provides a "Mission Statement" as liners note. I hope these guys keep it up. The mixing is good. In sum, a nice album, good dancing music and a good addition to your collection.

Another style of New Generation Music is Rapadoo's most recent album. This Konpa beat is markedly slower, the kind that you danced without ever getting tired. If you want to be in a mellow Konpa mood, The lead singer, Stephane Alexandre, will do that with a mellow voice reinforced by a nice synthesizer sound. Many songs on this album start like a slow tune and builds up to a slow Konpa beat. I wonder if this style reflects the romantic side of all these musicians. I like it though. There is no noise; the mixing is pretty good. Tune No. 5 is a tribute to the late Gilles Floro and the band presents a nice interpretation of his composition "Stella". So if you want to listen to a nice , soft brand of Konpa Dirčk , this is an album you should get.

During one of my recent trips to Haiti, I got a most interesting CD by Chantal Drice. I had never heard of her before and I decided to take my chance, trusting my intuition. And I am glad I did. The album's concept and music are most interesting . Its originality is immediately evident with the first tune. The singer uses a number of Haitian Creole proverbs and puts them in music. For us Haitians, those proverbs bring us back to fond memories and this is most enjoyable. Another aspect of the originality , I found, is the wide range of rhythms covered in the 12 songs on the album. Sometimes, you hear some Rasin music, like in tune No. 3, other times you hear some soca-calypso like in tune No. 2, or some bossa nova (Tune No. 4), or some Koupe Kloue (Tune No. 5), or some merengue (Tune No. 7), or some traditional Konpa (Tune No. 8), or some Martiniquan beguine followed by some solid Rara beat (Tune No. 11). Chantal Drice feels as much at ease in any of those rhythms. Tune No. 10 is a very original and unusual medley of popular classic tunes (Quizas - Nat King Cole, The Girl from Ipanema - A.C: Jobim) , of a jazz tune, Stormy Weather and a classic Haitian tune. All this supported by a solid Rara beat. This is most imaginative as Chantal Drice and Lionel Benjamin weave in and out of the different melodies. Something to listen too. Ms. Drice shows tremendous versality . Her voice can be warm, sensuous; she sings without effort and her sound is accurate. She is accompanied by the Group Marasa and her artistic director is Pierre Rigaud Chéry. If this is any indication, I believe she will go far and I am looking forward to her next album.

Coming up

About two months ago, a wonderful concert took place in the Washington area: Eddy Prophčte (piano), Ginou Oriol (singer), Fritz (Toto) Duval (bass) and Azor (Conga). Those who came thoroughly enjoyed it. The music was simply divine. I had never heard Azor in person and what an experience!. Since Ti Roro, I had never heard anyone play the conga like this. Azor playing the conga is like listening to a saxophone or a piano. Azor shows feeling and sensitivity. I understand he is working on another album due out soon. As for Eddy Prophčte, his new album is due before the end of November, baring no last minute delays. I had the privilege of listening to a rough recording and folks, this is something serious. This time, he is supported by a full group: saxophone, trumpet, a wonderful trombone player and an excellent Haitian guitarist. The musicians are from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti and Canada. Boulo Valcourt sings. I had never heard before such jazzed up Konpa Dirčk and I am not talking about the traditional improvisations on two or three chords, as is common in Konpa Dirčk. There are some complex jazz phrases which require serious jazz knowledge. I believe that with this CD, we may see the dawn of Konpa Jazz.

Serge Bellegarde