GRACIA DELVA - CHANPAY LA

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.