Haitianmusicindustry.com - The Official Voice of The HMI - Blogs

HAITI 2009 RESOLUTION

gerthy — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:45:26 GMT

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.
�Alice Walker

We have been throwing away our best values and our best human resources since the Duvalier regime, since our teachers had to go to Congo when Papa Doc declared war on the country's intelligencia. Now the myth is, in order for a Haitian to make it in life, he must escape the country when the vivid truth is that our very smart and strong people are leaving home to come here to prosper on the white man's land.

Now associating with eagles like HMI offers me the best tools to soar to great heights. I choose to rise with the youth and my country and will not settle until we do.

I want to know how if we are doing something wrong or did the Lord gives up on us too?

I believe the divine put in me the touch to heal the hearts of the forgotten ones. But, people do not believe in those who do not have money. For me I had to make the choice either to work to make a living or live so I can serve my people and do the will of the Divine.

I am very eager to ask all my Haitian brothers and sisters and to the world, if your child has a tantrum, or has too much energy that is not well challenged, would you take her to the park to play to release his energy, or would you put her on timeout? If your child were sick, screaming from unbearable pain, what would you do? Would you isolate her, or would you draw her closer to you? The cry of the people of Haiti is the voice of the anguished and dying. Any child of God does not deserve to be tortured until they die of hunger. The need for food cannot be separated from the need for reforestation.

We made the promise to train our children to cope with their struggles. We made the promise to come back and, most importantly, they trust us and value our friendship. These food riots and hurricane catastrophes (as the media call them) can only prove that we should move faster on our reforestation program; this may be their only way to salvation. Children are dying; mothers and fathers are losing their souls. No one deserves to be trapped in a tortured existence, believing they have no power to do anything about it. I cannot fail them now. Just what we can give can be the difference between life and death for our people now. I have gone too far to stop now. I just signed a document with the federal government to take used computers, TVs and other electronics to Haiti to be sold there to raise money for food distribution. I will need strong support for shipment.

We need blessings, advice, wisdom and a hand to hold onto. Desperate situations call for desperate measures. Therefore, I have devoted my time to serve others. I travel and meet with people, convincing them to help give Haiti a second chance.

Haitians desperately need words of wisdom, serenity, love, compassion, and especially the ability to heal. My question to all of you brothers and sisters is, if not now, when?

Moreover, who am I to protect my life when their lives are worth nothing to the world and, to me, they are my world? As a single mother of four, my kids complain that I have resigned from my job as a mother because I do not provide and I am not there for them. They cannot understand it is not about me; what is driving me is much greater than me and I do not have any control over it.

However, I am scared of failing to fulfill my mission in Haiti because Haiti deserves the respect and the prominence that we once earned.

Sense of a Goose

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

When a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group. (author unknown)

BEING A HAITIAN ARTIST

veronica — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:41:12 GMT

Being a Haitian Artist
(By Veronica de La Croix)

They say there's just a thin line between a psycho and an artist because a psychotic being is not aware that he or she is in fact crazy but an artist doesn't mind to be known as an insane being because 99% of them are use to the name, from family members at home to the extended ones. Which is why 99% of them are self made artist, by that I mean finding your calling without any family support.

49% of Haitian parents believe in education instead of talent because they are so afraid of failure, they rather see their children being a miserable lawyer than a happy singer, musicians, filmmakers, actors, painters, writers, poets, dancers, models etc....they rather tell their children to be a doctor, an architects or lawyer instead of saying "follow your dreams, passion is the key". NEVER had they made because of their higher learning and they want the exact choice or higher for their children.

50% will talk their children down, another form of verbally abuse that will make you wonder �did that kid came out of her". What kind of parents call his or her kids ugly, bad blood, you are no good and you'll amount to no nothing. What kills me is when they pick on the children personal make -up, where they will call them flat nose, frog eyes, pig lips, too dark, too light, too short or too tall, too stupid or so smart you got to be crazy. It's like what they should boost the children self esteem from within their home so that their children will not be worry when an outsider takes notice. Of course the none mention 1% are wealthy, mommy and Daddy will not mind giving the cash cause what ever money can buy they will give it to their children just because they can, so far the only thing you can not purchase with money is the breath of life otherwise the poor would have died while the rich live until they run out of money, everything else is negotiable.

At the end what GOD gives, no one can take away, against all odds an artist will rise and be one among the best, just to meet an industry (RECORD LABELS, MANAGERS, PROMOTERS, EVENT PLANNERS, AGENTS, AND RETAILERS\COPYMAKERS) that is designed to break his or her spirit. It's like they all have a gathering to discuss 7 ways to screw the artist as he or she is rising to be sure that he or she will always need them, which explain why our music industry is the only ones that stock in the middle since NEMOUR JEAN-BAPTISTE.

Only three artists are starting to show no mercy to the seven signs; first is Sweet Micky who acknowledges his artistic talent and demand to be treated like a super star that�s making a living out of his career and should be respected because not everybody can do what he does. Second is Alan Calve, after he got burn so hard by the seven signs below he established his own records label which paid off because now he makes money on his records as well as the tours. Third is Nu Look that will not play anywhere they don't approve of, their price is always limited which is excellent for a band to know what you are selling and how high you believe your product should go because you can not leave it to the 7 signs to think and making decision for you.

A career should never be up for bargain. Too many of our stars have died poor while their hits are still being reproduced and sold all over the world. Joel Theodore was an excellent artist and poet. My 2 favorite songs of his are; (HAITI) & (society) yet died so poor that collection had to be made for his funeral arrangement. How sad is that. Ti Manno who was so patriotic made a song (Nan pay-m map tuning) (I'm going back to my homeland). He died and buried in New York and his grave did not even have a head stone but his albums are still being sold all over the world. What's wrong with this picture? You mean to tell me that no one cares. Where are the people making money of him still? Couldn�t we come together, to do the necessary to excavate his body and burry him at home in peace? Do we love him but can't honor his wishes? How would you feel if you were buried in the land of someone you hate? Well this is all a part of being a Haitian Artist, if we don't seat and think about where we want to take our names, our industry we will end-up like Joel Theodore and Ti manno.

Be professional about your contracts, read every fine line before signing, have a next of skin to take charge and how you want to design that power, have a lawyer make you a will if you don't have a next of skin, be specific about what you want to be done with your money even after you gone. All these are not a guarantee that all will go well because when you want to get something done right you do it your self but with the law on your side you will be less likely to be victimized.

This article came to me after I wrote, paid for the editing, publish and printed my first book by my self with my own money. A retailer sold some of them where after his share I was supposed to get $850.00. When I showed up to collect he offered me a job, I insisted that I was there for my money. He sent me to his restaurant and there I learned that somebody who had access to his store took my books and sold them $8.00 a piece. I wanted to scream and shout, then I realized why my dad was so furious when I told him I was going to major in English to be a writer, a Haitian woman writer. His first question was who is going to sell your books? Then I left the restaurant in tears, I felt like I was on my knees and someone kicked me behind on my ass and dropped me face down. I realized, I got one weapon and I will use it wisely so I wrote this article.

We can say we love Haiti all we want as long as we don't respect each other in other to love one another we can not say we love our mother land.

IS COMPAS RITUAL AFFECTING OUR INDUSTRY?

veronica — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:39:14 GMT

Many bands take pride on playing Carnaval during the last 30 to 15 minutes of a ball; SWEET MICKY,T-VICE,CARIMI, KREYOLA, KREZI MUSIK. Is it high risk?

While we are letting you be the judge, it is a fact that the ball locations that use to be available to the entertainment companies are now limited because of fights. 95% of all fights occurs during the carnival ritual where the fan visualized themselves in a real Carnaval where pushing and shoving each other is okay; is it okay to do in Boston? If I was asked just in what I witness alone, I would say no, but this is not about me. Should Carnaval stay in its season where a fan can go to Haiti as most of them do every year during the month of February, do all the pushing and shoveling you feel for three days or in Boston, New York, Miami and Canada etc� during the summer and get it over with? Or should the tradition be carried out by giving the fan a last good show with the Carnaval to reminisce whether it�s for the sake of our culture, the band self gratification on the high an artist get watching fans jumping jacks to their music.

Some of our parents generation bands perform the same ritual at the end of their ball which sometimes resulted in a fight too, but no one died as the result or got deported do you have a comment on that? Are we a generation who�s missing self discipline and respect for rules and regulations or is it that our parents knew how to control themselves while drinking better then we can? If that�s the case should our behavior under the influence of alcohol be questionable? Should carnival play in the beginning of a ball, the end or not at all? Will it make any difference? Now that these information�s are available are the carnival playing bands and their fans make better logistic thinking before going ahead with our rituals for example if you overfull a ball room in which 70% of your fans are drunk a carnival specially with a lyric such as (kraze ball la) is a no no.

We must come to an agreement of understanding; without proper location we cannot have a ball. Are we ready for that? Because of lack of self discipline, we can�t make good judgment or should we go back to there�s a time and a place for everything and carnival does not belong in a ball room. Fans got arrested, deported this year; sadly one of them was picked up for disturbing the peace at a NULOOK ball which was held @ the Lambados in Randolph. He was taken to a precinct, beaten badly by the states police and the Randolph police. Lucky for them he was here illegally from Canada so they sent him back to Haiti the next day and he died that same day. No witness, no justice but is it worth it? For a band to travel from miles to be at your service, for an entertainment company to make it possible for you to see and watch them perform for you to dedicate your evening to be entertained joyfully and for a fight to break out the well planed evening just when it was about to end think about it and tell us, the bands and the entertainment�s companies, what can we do for you?

Supporting Haitian Artist=Supporting Haiti
Veronica De La Croix; Author, Poet & Publisher for the HMI

ARLY STEALING DANCE MOVES FROM T-JOE?

nercentral — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:55:18 GMT

So you think Arly can dance. But now it looks like he�s stealing some dance moves from T-Joe. Just look at this youtube video above. Maybe he was drunk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbuilNBb6NQ

OUR TRUE HEROES

gerthy — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:46:40 GMT

OUR TRUE HEROES
by Gerty Lahens

�If Haiti is ever going to find the road to recovery after decades of dictatorship, upheaval and decay, it will take more than post-hurricane shipments of food and water. Haiti desperately needs money, trade, and investment and infrastructure repairs. It also needs the support of Haitians � �
-NY Times Editorial October 13th, 2008

Today, Haiti is a country that has seemingly been left to international organizations, public and private (NGOs), to take the responsibility for strategic planning and guaranteeing the collective well being of its citizens. Yet despite all of this aid, in Haiti, there is a wealth of local leaders who are attempting to make up for the lack of State provision. There exists a firm conviction that inspires the people of Haiti, who do not want to give up and want to participate in the shaping of the solutions that will combat the decline of the country. Ironically, these individuals get no support or encouragement from the NGOs who are willing to invest their time and money into Haiti.

We need to acknowledge that even with billions of dollars a year and all the knowledge institutions bring, the work is never been possible without the outstanding work of true local Haitian �heroes� working for the betterment of Haiti and its citizens. Though most of us acknowledge that the involvement of local communities is essential to the success of any development project, NGOs regularly fail to consult with, involve appropriate local organizations and give credit to the local leaders who risk their lives in the fight for change. Therefore even those who are ready are denied the opportunity to lead.

Even in the worst socio-political and environmental conditions, Haitian people remain the most welcoming people. I have had the fortune of befriending many who, although unable to give to others financially, give of themselves to provide hope to others.

After running a seminar in Les Cayes, 9 Art of Living teachers along with 70 students drove for 7 hours to Port-au-Prince. Having to deal with a flat tire and rain, when we reached Port it was too late for 20 of our kids to go home in Kenscoff, which is another 2 hours away. The 30 of us slept on the floor of Mr. Joubert Thebaud�s 3 bedroom house. Not only did he feed us all, but the next morning he got up at 3 am to fix the kids breakfast; he borrowed a friend�s Taptap, paid for gas to get the kids to Kenscoff safely and on time so that they would not to miss a minute of class. My 23 year-old son James, went there for the first time; he told me �Manmi, they treat me like royalty.�

Joubert is the bread provider for his family and makes far less than $20 dollars a day and has a daughter in college and 3 nieces living with them.

When Kishore and Kala, from Art of Living, were convinced by what they discovered in our youth and wanted to help them to face their challenges through higher education, they collected $3,163 for partial tuition sponsorship. I sent the money to Joubert but couldn�t get in contact with him, I panicked because school had already started and was concerned that the kids would get the money in time to enroll. Joubert�s wife and daughter took care of everything; they called everyone on the list and personally delivered the tuition payments. They also made sure that they handed me all of the receipts the same day that I arrived in Haiti many weeks later.

When Emily, Tica and our program director, Bill Herman, travelled to Haiti, Joubert waited for them for over 4 hours at the international airport only to find out that their domestic flight to Les Cayes had been cancelled. Realizing that because this was their first time in Haiti, they don�t speak the language and were probably very scared � especially knowing the unflattering propaganda that is spread about Haiti. He did not want these people to not want to help Haiti or Return to Haiti. So despite his fatigue and having abandoned his job for the day, Joubert drove 14 hour that day, to Les Cayes and back.

Madam Edouard, Joubert�s sister in-law will come to help Madam Joubert cook for us everyday. The only rewarding thing for her is that she is able to take our leftover food home to her husband, who is also unemployed, and 8 kids.

Before each seminar, or just a regular trip to Les Cayes, Engineer Joazar Lucien and Agronomist Tilus Jean Julien put all their activities on hold to open their homes to us and work out all of the logistics of our stay and travel.

Agronomist Stenio Louis Jeune travelled from Cange in Central Plateau to Les Cayes for 12 hours to participate in our seminar. He truly motivated the youth, but also makes sure that I take a break from hours of translating to eat by buying food for me.

Karl Henri Pierre travelled for 2 days to participate and serve at the seminar. Everyone in YLTP, who needed help, knows they could count on Junior Juste. Santhia Success will mobilize and organize people here, in Florida or in Haiti we need to teach our charcoal seminars.

The price of gas can go as high as $5.50 a gallon. Nobody gets paid for service or their involvement.

Fabiola is one of our most talented graduates from business school, she is an inspirational singer and team leader who comes in the early morning and leaves past sundown everyday to take care of us. Faby�s mom will leave her street peddling business, which would allow her to make 5 dollars for the day, to cook for 25 of us during our training. She�s had to carry the huge �bokit� of very hot food on her head and walk in the pouring rain for 20 minutes to feed us. Today I learn that she is pretty sick I am very concern about her, but have no money to help her out.

I would like to take this opportunity to let it be known that they are my teachers and true heroes. I would like to remind you that Haiti is not only looking for compassion, but counts on the true solidarity of those people who know how to listen to Haiti and who understand that Haiti is simply demanding the right to exist. This country, more than ever before, wants to break free from its dependence and wants to control its own destiny. The sad reality is that, all too often, organizations who intend to help are robbing the Haitian people of independence and the very community initiative that is the cornerstone of autonomy.

Gerthy Lahens
MIT Research Fellow Alum, Community Organizer
Center for Reflective Community Practice
MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning
MIT D-Lab Community Representative
Haitian Youth Leadership Training and Reforestation Director
Founder and Executive Director of Friends of Petite Anse Inc
Co-founder and Vice President of Bagazo Inc, MIT Charcoal
President of Haitian Power & Light LLC

A CRITICAL VIEW FROM INSIDE ZIN

nercentral — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:03:39 GMT

ZIN is an industry within itself. This commercial powerhouse has now Hit Music Factory, AC Records and Alabel Mizik as its largest shareholder. Who is in charge of ZIN and who is trying to oust who inside of ZIN?

The bad blood between Zin's largest shareholder and Alan Cave dates back to Alan Cave's tenure as an executive producer inside ZIN. After Alan got burn so hard by ZIN's shareholder, he thought it was a smart thing to do by managing his own records label inside ZIN.

ZIN has long been the cause of much excitement and turmoil for years since their diva Princess Georgy's departure. Power struggle on the inside, but often with conflict of interest on the inside -frequently hear of ZIN splitting up - partly or completely, replacing members and carrying on as though nothing happened.

ZIN's latest album "Pi Red" was not Zin's most passionate work. There was a lack of professional exactitude in some songs. The album was not chuck-full of hits like its predecessor. Then it all went to hell during ZIN's last summer tour in Haiti. A power struggle between lead singer Alan and maestro Alex fractured the group in Haiti. Alan took his voice and embarked full time on a new project "Couler Cave" with his father Syto. Eddy St. Vil committed to a full time teaching job in New York. Only Alex kept the band as he continued in the day-to-day running of the ZIN.

In many instances as we can see from ZIN's last summer video clip, cooperation between Alex and Alan tends to exist as a power struggle, in terms of how to bridge the "front stage" and "back stage". If the battle for control the "front stage" sounds personal, that's because it is. With the recent recruting of a new lead singer, Alex probably realizes ZIN's rejuvanation is the right thing to do and the right time is now. ZIN's rejuvanation is critical. This is a time for a new lead singer, with different skills and strengths, to step in and drive Zin to its potential in the Haitian music industry again. Any abuse of power by ZIN's largest shareholder would not bring growth to ZIN unless Alex, Alan, and Eddy understand the essence of sharing their power inside ZIN.

OPA ESSENCE: SE WEL, FEL SI'W KAPAB!

nercentral — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:32:58 GMT

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04cQU8Cbz9o[/ame]

NU LOOK ABO

steve — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 03:01:26 GMT

Miami-based Nu Look is back on the block with their long awaited studio release. The album, "Abo" hit shelves a few months back and is a 10-song long release of Kaliko Productions.

"The Look" has had to deal with a few difficult setbacks with musicians these past few years and the skies may remain gray for Gazzman & Co. for some time. The issues started with the band�s leadership, Arly Lariviere, who was notorious for showing up unfashionably late to most of his shows. This lack of discipline may have trickled down to rhythm guitarist Ralph Conde, (a triumph of recruitment for the band given his abilities as a guitarist, composer and producer) who, in the midst of a Haitian tour last year decided that he wouldn�t show up at all to Nu Look gigs and promptly returned to his old post in Tabou Combo. Next up was the band�s lead guitarist, Laporte, who shortly after the release of his solo album promptly abandoned ship. It has been the recent rumor that solo artist Nickenson Prudhomme is looking to recruit the band�s bassist for his own upcoming projects.

But enough with the bad news! What does "Abo" have in store for us? Well, on the good side are compositions like the melodic "Is it real", where Arly sings his heart out with the usual plaintive passion. Gazzman counters Arly�s performance with the album�s title track "Abo" where all the Cape Haitian charm of his voice is on display. The thoughtful "Legacy" ranks among the album�s memorable pieces both for the quality of its message and what it showcases about that singer�s ability to carry a band. Not to be outdone, Arly counters beautifully in the mid-tempo composition "Notre Histoire". "Bon Macho" deserves some mention for its catchy melody and fine horn arrangements.

"Abo" is a very competent album. The band is in good form despite its monumental losses in talent and personnel. One almost feels the restraint of the new guitarists who have been recruited to fill some pretty big shoes. Arly�s keyboard sounds definitely need some updating and outside of some fine moments with the horns throughout the piece, the album doesn�t do much instrumentally and sounds a bit hollow at times. However, what isn�t happening instrumentally is definitely happening with the two powerful vocalists who lead the band. Arly and Gazzman literally carry this album with their voices. You�ve heard me complain about the wordy choruses these guys like so much, so I won�t do it again. Seasoned fans of the band should be happy with this release.

WYCLEF JEAN CARNIVAL II

steve — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:59:51 GMT

Well, it�s finally here! Wyclef Jean�s long awaited follow up to 1997�s critically acclaimed Carnival hit most stores in early December. The album features 13 original compositions and is an independent release from �Clef and long time collaborator and band-mate Jerry "wonda" Duplessis.

It�s hard to believe that I purchased my copy of the first Carnival CD about 10 years ago. At the time Wyclef was Hip Hop�s latest rags to riches story, an artist whose product appealed to dedicated Hip Hop fans, Pop fans and lovers of world music.

Fresh off the success of the Fugees album, "The Score", Wyclef and his production team had the Midas touch, collaborating on one hit album after another, encouraging the use of live musicians and instrumentation on their tours and revitalizing more of the international hits that made the 1970s an important decade in the development of commercial music.

Wyclef�s first Carnival release was a breath of fresh air at a time when the rigid formula of sex, violence and more violence on many American Hip Hop releases was driving the part of its audience that consisted of the black intelligentsia away. Laced with humor and remixes of classics like "Guantanamera" and the BeeGees� "Staying Alive", "Clef" placed himself alongside groups like A Tribe Called Quest who numbered among the day�s few progressive rap acts.

The first Carnival CD was important because Wyclef proved himself a leading word-smith of not only of English but also Kreyol rhymes. He surprised us all in the Haitian community with the Refugee All-stars track "San Fizi", an intense all Kreyol rap bathed in acoustic guitars, Lauren Hill�s blazing vocals and a classic Haitian Vodou chant to boot. Haitian communities the world over rejoiced after hearing the Sweet Micky, Kassav, Wyclef colabo in "Carnival" where a hardcore Konpa rhythm exposed Haiti�s popular music to the world market.

Carnival was inventive and musical without betraying the Spartan rhythmic requirements of all classic Hip-Hop albums. It was also well thought out, well written and well performed.

Unfortunately, the success of the Carnival was followed by the demise of the Fugees as a recording group. Clef, Pras and Lauren Hill parted ways soon after the release of the Carnival and Wyclef went on to produce more albums with his cousin Jerry "Wonda". The albums Ecleftic, Masquerade, Preacher�s Son and more followed. Most of the follow up releases stayed true the Carnival formula of inventive word play and a rich and varied musicality that never betrayed its Hip-Hop roots.

So, how does the new Carnival "Memoirs of an Immigrant" hold up overall? Quite well actually! The work is probably Wyclef�s most musical release. It is armed to the teeth with fine arrangements, elaborate choruses and all manner of instrumentation. "Memoirs�" starts off with the Hip-Rock "Riot" outfitted with a blazing rock guitar hook, a lush chorus and a stellar appearance by Jamaican artist Sizzla. The Hip-Pop "Sweetest Girl", with its melodic rhymes, acoustic charm and appearances from Akon and Lil Wayne is still a favorite on outlets like YouTube, BET and MTV. Wyclef takes a thought provoking look at modern times in the groove laced "Slow Down" with its sparse and rugged use of instrumentation, finger snapping and laid back narration by southern rapper T.I.

Folk-rock icon Paul Simon makes an appearance in the song "Fast Car", another fine composition that seems to borrow a lot thematically from the 80s hit of the same name by former Boston-based performer Tracy Chapman. The beauty of this album is also in numbers like "Any Other Day" featuring the plaintive vocals of Norah Jones, and Wyclef�s soulful re- flections in "Heaven�s in New York". While it will always be hard to top the song "Carnival" from Wyclef�s first solo release, "Touch Your Button" comes pretty darn close leaping as it does from Island to Island blending Konpa with Soca and Hip-Hop and merging artists who would otherwise never find themselves working side by side.

Carnival II is a triumph and is just as good as its predecessor! Wyclef displays the breadth and sophistication of a seasoned musician on most of the album�s songs. The Carnival II celebration is a world culture and world music celebration that does not limit itself to Haiti. Wyclef introduces us to the talents of all of his friends across the globe and we are richer for the experience.

There is a famous picture of Bob Marley reaching out to two warring Jamaican politicians in the late 1970s, inviting them onstage, locking their hands and making a plea to all Jamaicans for peace and unity. Wyclef has done something similar with this album in reaching out to artists across the globe. Carnival II locks the hands of many different cultures in its appeal for respectful tolerance, inclusion and open-mindedness among peoples.

Carnival II is a record of the transformative effects of the American cultural experience on anyone who cares to experience it. We can stay in our little isolated Islands and be content or we can join life�s Carnival and have something wonderful to share when it�s all over.

Carnival II is all about that "One drop", so get yours today and feel it again!

T-VICE KITE'M VIV LIVE

steve — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:57:42 GMT

The Vice tribe returns with a fiery new live release celebrating the success of their last hit album "Kite�m Viv". The album is a double CD of the band at various venues throughout 2007 and is a release of the Nouvel Generasyon label.

The Vice crew has a lot to be a happy about during this Carnival season. The band�s last studio album "Kite�m Viv" beat a storm of strategically timed releases last year to pull a nomination from and win Kompa Magazine�s album of the year award. It successfully transitioned from a four man semilive format to a fully functional live band, doubling its personnel in the process and recently released yet another popular carnival meringue challenging longtime rival Djakout Mizik�s equally popular arrangement.

"Kite�m Viv Live" is a nice road trip with the crew as they deliver some of their best material to various audiences. Highlights of the album�s first CD include the song, "Beaute Dangereuse" performed in Cap-Haitien. This popular song is embellished by Olivier Duret�s lead and backing vocals and the band�s tight and long running delivery. The crowd favorite "4 Las" is also present and features a smoother rhythmic swing that is a new feel of the band�s live format. Jocelyn Labille joins the crew in Port-au-Prince for a lively rendition of their collaboration in the song "J�aimerais�". Volume I ends with a cover of Septen�s classic song "Temoignage", which is probably T-Vice�s first ever released cover of an old generation Haitian band.

Volume 2 of the release continues the long running celebration through songs like the aggressively arranged "Kite�m Viv". This side of the band�s performance is also blessed with a reworking of "Pedale Kompa" with Duret doing his best to fill in Black Alex�s memorably frantic contribution to the original.

Kitem� Viv is enjoyable listening. The album is well mixed and the songs on the release are among T-Vice�s best new crowd pleasers. It is a different experience to hear the vice without its trademark drum machines. Some may miss the peculiarly hard groove that the band was able to pull out of those machines but the overall quality of the performances should more than make up for this change. Gerald Kebreau�s touch is more evident in the mix and that is a welcome change from past studio and live releases. Unfortunately, something seemed lacking in the quality of the synth patches fromReynaldo but his playing is in good form. Berto seemed to be going for a lighter more natural tone on his guitar overall but it seems to compliment the overall choice to return to a more traditional Konpa band format.

Kite�m Viv is a quality release but definitely caters to the hardcore T-Vice fan.

DJAKOUT MIZIK JISTIS LIVE

steve — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:56:14 GMT

The industry�s wildest act has released a work celebrating the fiery delivery that has made their shows "paka pala" or must see
events. Djakout�s release features the extended live versions of seven hit songs and is a Tropical Records label.

Djakout has been tearing up the live Haitian circuit over much of the past few years. Their performances have been so well attended and generated so much cash for various promoters that most of the industry�s bands now try to feature some part of the Djakout style in their compositions. Djakout caters heavily to the tastes of the masses with a style that is loose; fast paced and successfully blends provincial tonal elements with those of the city.

Djakout starts off with the usual frantically competitive energy. The song "Jistis" is preceded by an explanation that the band plays Konpa "taw, taw", the playful word used by Haitian parents to introduce their two year olds to good behavior. And taw, taw they do with some of the best live recording from the band�s repertoire of live releases since the late 1990s. The live vocal harmonies in "Jistis"are exciting especially where the band�s conga player "Shabba" touches the mic. The slew of well timed slogans and percussive acrobatics are simply fantastic in songs like "Pwoblem", "Eskive" and the classic "La Familia". One fine quality of this release is that it makes apparent the fine choices in horn lines and placement in a way somehow not immediately or emphasized in the studio releases.

Djakout live is a very good release. This album definitely ranks among the band�s best live releases and while no one player shines through these recordingsthe team work among these men is absolutely fantastic. One hears all the simple pieces combine to form the many memorable moments on each song. Bassist Mamane is the glue that holds the rhythm section together and controls the overall swing that is the identity of the band. His eloquent runs up and down the pentatonic scale are timely and a part of the fine qualities of this release. And of course Ti Regi�s simple but original approach to synth guitar is a huge part of the overall equation for any Djakout song.

Djakout�s latest is a fine release. Get yours today!

SWEET MICKEY - BANDI LEGAL

steve — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:54:35 GMT

Haiti's tireless "bon viveur" has stepped out of retirement to add yet another album to his expansive catalog. Sweet Mickey is back with "Bandi Legal" an 11-song release of Antilles Mizik.

Clearly, Michel Martelly does not enjoy time off center stage. After retiring his band some years back, the talented performer went on to host more festivals and enliven more events than most care to count. Prior to the release of this new album, his latest exploits as a one man show involved guest disrupting the shows of his favorite bands.

"Bandi Legal" is yet another day in the musical Disney Land that is the Mickey experience. The work starts off with the wildly playful "Bandi" where Mickey's fine vocals soar alongside some heated instrumentation. The enticing "Bea" follows with lush vocal arrangements and equally generous synth and guitar grooves. Mickey flexes his talents in "...Ladan'l" a club banger if ever he mastered the art. "Je te veut", a Zouk/Konpa sung by no less than three singers is among the album's many treats and while is the self proclaimed President of Konpa is not among the main singers, this number has its place in this compilation.

"Bandi Legal" is fun listening. The album is an enjoyable and finely mixed tour-de-commerce. The instrumental work is consistent and the arrangements are edgy. Mickey ownes a great deal to the songwriting of talented former Boston resident Elie Lapointe whose pen, guitar and backing vocals are all over this release. The credits on the album seem to hint that Mickey may be using his weight to introduce some new talent on the difficult terrain that is the HMI. If so, he's chosen his proteges well.

Bandi is not a classic, but it is a good addition to any Mickey collection.

GRACIA DELVA - CHANPAY LA

steve — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:52:51 GMT

Florida's favorite crooner is back with his second studio release. Former Zenglen front man Gracia Delva has finally delivered the anticipated follow up to "Devan Net" his first solo effort. "Chanpay La" is a 10 song-long release of Archill Productions.

Gracia continues to have quite a hold on the public he earned as Zenglen's front man. Last year's most anticipated album was his collaboration with Zenglen leader and former band mate Ritchie. Although the album did not do well, it is still the dream of many Miami based concertgoers to see more live and studio collaborations between him and Zenglen. As the leader of Mass Konpa, Gracia enjoys significant success outside of the US Market, often touring the French Antilles and Haiti's provinces. Of course, everyone awaits a time when his visa issues will be corrected and he will once again be allowed to engage his Haitian-American fan base.

"Chanpay La" is something new and nice in the otherwise predictable output of today's Konpa Direk bands. Many of the songs on this release feature Gracia delivering a potent message alongside interesting chord progression and a fine set of grooves. Songs like "Profesyonel yo" and "Ekilib" flesh out captivating melodies, fine instrumental work and arrangements that stray from the beaten path. Other noteworthy compositions include "Jerusalem" and "Rezon" where good songwriting blends with meaty grooves and catchy slogans. The romantic "Yon nuit bo anme" (night by the sea) has flaws but maintains unmistakable charm and that distinctly native melodic character that only Delva can deliver.

"Chanpay La" is a fine follow-up to the mildy popular "Devan Net". The album is the work of an artist in the throes of becoming and resolving to get better with every release. It is evident that Gracia has taken the time to deliver a calmer more economic album this time around. He has also chosen to work with the industry's best players and arrangers in sticking with Nick Prudhomme on keys, Shedley Abraham on drums, Dener Ceide and ex-Nu Look member Laporte share duties on guitar.

The overall mix exposes the strengths and , unfortunately, the weaknesses of Gracia as a vocalist. Some of his delivery is rushed in areas and comes off weak or verbose in others. The instrumentation, while good, sounds hollow on mid to slow tracks and seems to lack adequate instrumental layers.

Gracia's sophomore release is good, but mostly for the initiated.

KREZI MIZIK LIVE II

steve — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:50:03 GMT

Haiti based Krezi Mizik recently released the highly anticipated live follow up to its well received first album, �Haiti San Menti�. The independent release is a 7-song long presentation of the band�s hit singles.

The band was heavily criticized last year for the quality of the mix of their first studio release and it may have affected the pace of the Haitian American reception to the group overall. The fact that Krezi�s very composition is a constant reminder of the break up of one of the industry�s favorite groups � Konpa Kreyol- whose ex-members created the rival group Kreyol La, may not have helped matter either. Krezi�s popularity in Haiti is unquestioned while Kreyol La enjoys a steady popularity in American and Haitian venues. This live release may finally even the scales for Krezi�s members.

This live release confirms Krezi as the most exiting act on the scene today! All the hidden melodic beauty of songs like �Back to back� are laid bare exposing lead singer Mika�s trendy vocals, Delice�s incessant blues oriented guitar riffs and Roosevelt�s fantastic drumming and backing harmonization. The great potential of this line-up is apparent in the song �Negosye� a fast tempo hybrid of Konpa and Ragga elements backed by fiery instrumental work and a progressive message (the cherry on top). The great charm of Krezi lies not only in the fine talent of its instrumentalists but the cooperative work of the band�s vocalists, Mika and Roosevelt,who trade duties on lead and backing vocals in a manner that is both seamless and selfless.

The effects of Roosevelt�s vocals on an audience can be felt in songs like �Le�m We�w� and �Ti Mafi� where the audience reacts by enthusiastically accompanying in all the lead parts.

Krezi Live will rank among this year�s best releases! The album is well mixed, the songs are well performed and the longer versions of the songs maintain a listener�s interest. The musicians man their duties with the type of professionalism that is the product of hard and painstaking rehearsals. Delice�s tone on guitar is fantastic, although I will critique the fact that he plays almost no rhythm parts on his ax. David Dupoux has contributed more than his share of hit songs to this release but his synth patches need some serious updating if he is to help the band brand a distinct sound.I wouldn�t be doing us any justice if I didn�t brag that there is at least one �Groove generation� band out there that is not afraid to attempt a Coupe Cloue cover. Krezi does a reputable job recreating Coupe�s classic �Miyan, Miyan�.

I highly encourage your ownership of this release! C�est du rololoyyyyy

MIZIK MIZIK PARADIS NAN LANFE

steve — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:47:30 GMT

The industry�s most accomplished band made its way back to the headlines recently with a long overdue studio release. The album, �Paradis nan Lanfe� (Paradise in ell), features nine original compositions and is the product of a collaboration between Comme Il Faut Tobacco Company and the Rhythm and Harmony label. I won�t count the number of years we�ve had to wait for a new studio release from Mizik Mizik, but I will mention the fantastic work the band�s studios produced throughout the years following the release of their last classic � �Blakawout�. Bandleaders, Fabrice and Keke have been the masterminds behind the albums of artists including Jude Jean, Belo and Jahnesta to name a few and let�s not forget the many young unknowns they have brought to the fore. They also helped resurface neglected legends like Andre DeJean (Les Freres DeJean) to a new generation of listeners. Paradis Nan Lanfe starts off in typical Mizik Mizik fashion. The album�s lead song, �Mal�, boasts a masterful progression of chords, a melody drenched in Jazz, and pop harmonies manned by CaRiMi. The title track �Paradi nan Lanfe� is a well-versed marvel that finds the band again blending Jazz and pop.

It is the album�s most danceable track as Keke and Fabrice trade off on a set of enticing � if long winded � solos. Other interesting numbers include the Zouk styled �Chavire� featuring the band�s new lead singer Gilbert Ravix, whose straightforward delivery is embellished with fantastic backing harmonies and a few spectacular solos on guitar and keys.

�Paradi Nan Lanfe�, while a good album, may not stand among the band�s
best. The quality of the instrumental work is good, but the band�s identity is struggling somehow. While most songs have distinct charms, the melodies aren�t memorable, and there is too much bending to �son la rue� slogans and trends. Much of the afore-mentioned charm stems from Keke�s consistently intriguing approach to the Haitian guitar. Fabrice is a bit subdued on this release.

Unfortunately, too many of the songs don�t stick to the ribs as they do in previous releases. One almost feels that Mizik Mizik�s real tracks were those found on Jude Jean�s �Reveil� where one heard number after number with the unmistakable Rouzier and Belizaire magic!

This album is still a fun and worthwhile experience, and die-hard fans need this lifeline until the next one drops. Al achete-li!