Tantan: Machandiz La

By Steve Desrosiers

It's been a minute since we've heard something new from Tantan but he's back with his latest crop of song. The album "Machandiz la" (The product) is composed of 14 original tracks and was released by the Tropical Records label.

The years spanning the release of Tantan's popular, "Pam, Pam, Pam" to the current "Machandiz" have not been without difficulty for the talented singer. The artist lost his mother to the plague of incessant kidnappings that have taken their toll on many Haitian families. The timing of the event could not have been worst as he was in the middle of recording "Machandiz". While "Pam, Pam, Pam" was a great studio success and a favorite among DJs and dancers, he was not able to gather a team of musicians who could help him capitalize on the release by pulling off good live performances.

We are fortunate that Tantan possesses the fine qualities of tolerance and perseverance that has led to the release of yet another album. The song "Machandiz" gets the album off to a fine start with its inventive choruses, a hot keyboard riff and the fine guitar work of Didi Santana, former player for Dega and K-Dans. Tantan showcases a lot of the fine technical qualities that have made him a vocalist without equal in the Haitian Music Industry.

The track "Hey DJ" displays more of the artist's unpredictable ability with melody and hooks. The song is a strong example of the expert and economic use of words and word placement and the instrumental work is of such quality that you will stress the repeat button on that Ipod. The ballad "Si'l bon" has summer hit written all over it and I'm hoping audiences will respond as well the wonderfully inventive bland of East and West Indian rhythms in the composition "Yoyo".

"Machandize" is a quality production. There is something to be said for artists who are able to deliver consistently over time. Tantan's skills as a composer, programmer and keyboardist are the highlight of many of the album's finer songs. The work of the guitarists Didi Santana, Robert Martino and Laporte do wonders for the fine and rugged texture of many songs. Bassist Marc Junior Celestin who appears on all the album's tracks is in fine form on every song and his work deserves some serious attention and praise.

Tantan's latest work does not beat the ultimate comeback album, "Pam, Pam, Pam", where any one of the compositions could have been a hit. Nonetheless, this release is an important exhibition of Tantan's genius as a vocalist, instrumentalist and composer. I say spend it! Get yours today!

HMI Thanks:
Patrick St. Germain of International Perfumes and Discount for availing this CD for review. All releases are available at 860 Morton Street, Dorchester, (617) 825-6151.

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