Misty Jean:: Li Pa Two Ta
By Steve Desrosiers
The resilient and tireless Misty Jean is back with her third studio release. The album,"Li Pa Two Ta" (It's not too late) is an 11 song long tour de force brought to you by Jeff Wainwright's Kreyol Music label.
Misty Jean is set to leave an interesting and ambitious legacy in the Haitian Music Insutry (HMI). While her past albums have not been smash hits, they have nonetheless been ambitious and a displayed her extensive range as a singer. They have additionally cast her talent in the midst of the industry's finest producers and musicians.
It is very hard for a woman to make headway in the industry, especially without a band, but she has managed to survive with various sponsorships, the occasional live performance and it doesn't hurt to have once been crowned Miss West Indies. We don't know whether Misty will be the one to change things for the industry's many talented but unpatronized women, but one thing is for sure: If she keeps making albums like her latest, she will leave an exemplary path for the Haitian Divas of the future to follow.
Misty's latest sets off with the lead track "Touche pas ...", a fiery and groove heavy Konpa penned by the talented guitarist/Producer Ralph Conde. Ralph's guitars and overall arrangement do a wonderful job of backing Misty's bold and precise performance.
This number is followed by another scorcher name "Rev Mwen" where, of course, our artist shines but shares the spotlight with an unforgivably unforgettable solo by Nick Prudhomme. Misty's finest moment occurs in the mellow and Jazz oriented, "Tu Pleures" where we are reminded again of the dormant potential of Haitian Konpa. DJs should definitely have fun with the rootsy "Kijan Lari a Ye" and the "Tam,tam" remix featuring Reggaeton artist Shino.
"Li Pa Two Ta" is a little gem! It is full of every, very good songs and is a mature departure from the HMI's beaten path. Ralph Conde plays brilliantly throughout the album and must be praised for the quality of his contribution as a producer, songwriter and guitarist. Although Misty features many collaborators on this release, the sound and overall mix of the album is very consistent and not as disjointed as her past albums. The players featured on various numbers include Roberto and Robert Martino, Nick Prudhomme, Gerald Kebreau and many more. There isthe unfortunate wordiness that plagues many songs but Misty's delivery renders them tolerable.
So, what are you waiting for? It's a gem that someone else has paid a fortune to create and could be yours for a cough. Get it today!
HMI Thanks:
Patrick St. Germain of International Perfumes and Discount for availing the CDs for review. The release is available at 860 Morton Street, Dorchester, MA (617) 825-6151.
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