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Copyright 2005, Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. |
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with Steve Desrosiers, BHR Music Editor |
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finest come through with solid album
By Steve Desrosiers
509 509 Police The talented crew of musicians known to the Kompa world by their sunshine state area code has returned with 16 tracks of new material. 509's latest is being distributed by the Tropidisc label. Last year's break up with the band's founder, rhythm guitarist Ralph Menelas, left some band members confused and anxious for reconciliation. Unfortunately, when a truce did not materialize, the remaining artists went to work and have delivered some memorable tracks in songs like "Pa lage'm" (Don't let me go), a tasteful blend of Jazz and Kompa featuring the master touch of guitarist Ralph Conde. Other gems include lead track "509 police" and well arranged ballads like "Se wou", and "Cheri ou bel" (You're beautiful). Other great songs include the soothing "All I need" featuring one of the more original English chorus hooks I've heard from a Haitian band. 509 have a lot to be proud of with this release. The time and labor poured into the album is evident even in the less memorable songs. Lead singer Kenny Desmangles is quickly developing the skills that will establish him among the industry's top singers (Check out his work on the album's ballads) . The guitar work of Mackenson St. Fleur and Philo mesh well throughout this release especially in songs like "509 Police". Keyboardist Harold St. Louis provides some memorable moments on keys and acoustic piano in "Se wou" (It's you) among others. The band's weakness is in its wordy and predictable songwriting, not to mention some equally verbose choruses. 509's new work is that of a band well on its way to a great album. A good buy!
Fahrenheit "Chale Nan Kay La" The heat is on with the return of Policard brothers Gaetan and Jeff (formerly T-Dozz). The industry's latest boy band finds Jeff Policard on vocals as newcomer Luk Jean Louis covers his duties on keys. The new album is an 11-song release of new material and live covers, all a product of the Bass-Mint label. If an album ever deserved its title this is the one. The guys start off strong with the Carlo Vieux (U#1) inspired "Tout se pou ou" (All for you) executed alongside the Martino brothers who deliver memorable grooves and choruses in support of Jeff's aggressive vocals. The poppy "Lago Cache" may be old news to fans who heard it first on industry websites but it deserves a second listen in all its sonic glory. The band will surprise you with covers of popular songs like Tantan's "Pam, Pam, Pam" and Djakout's "Biznis Pam" (My business) but really deliver the goods on songs from their own past repertoire and these include the Dave Matthews inspired "Circonstances" and the Zouk "Sit u etais" (If you were). Fahrenheit's new album has all the necessary ingredients to make it big with today's young crowd. The compositions have a modern flair, the guitar grooves are forceful and masculine, there is economy in the songwriting, and the choruses are catchy. Jeff's vocals may take a little getting used to but there is no doubt that with more hard work and persistence, his will be among the industry's treasured voices. Keyboardist Luck Jean Louis proves his worth throughout this release and his fearless touch places him among Kompa's rising stars. The release lacks a sure hit but all the songs display great potential; I have a feeling this aggressive bunch will find their way to number one in the very near future. A very dance-friendly album and one well worth checking out!
Richie & Zenglen Le Kompa Zenglen returns with a new set of memorable songs on, "Le Kompa"; a celebration of 50 years of Kompa and the prowess of the band's celebrated drummer and self proclaimed "superstar maker" Jean H. Richard. The 12 song-long release is a product of Archille Productions. This album further confirms Zenglen as the industry's gift that keeps on giving. The album starts off with the aggressive "Le Kompa" laced with well defined guitar hooks, the breath taking synth inventions of keyboardist "Nicky" and of course Richies restless percussion. The intricately jazzy lead vocals of "Mwen eme'w" (I love you) are sure to please demanding listeners as it's masterfully arranged to escalate into one of the more memorable Kompa songs on the album. Those who know and appreciate Kompa's finer moments will enjoy Zenglen's dance oriented remake of Caribbean Sextet's "Kok Gage" (Fighting Rooster). Other fine moments on this release include songs like "Defi" and "Ou se". "Le Kompa" is truly a celebration of 50 years of Haiti's popular music and of Richie's talents as a drummer and bandleader. The instrumental work is a study in skills. The songs maintain a listener's interest and feature broad array of compositional surprises. And if this weren't enough, a host of talented guest artists (Nu-Looks Gazzman and T-Vice's Roberto Martineau, G. Kebreau and newcomer Da-Benz) lift the songs to new heights. There are instances where the enthusiasm of guest vocalists leads them away from the needs of otherwise promising tunes but thankfully those moments are few. Zenglen's latest is definitely worth checking out. The Reporter Thanks: Patrick St. Germain of International Perfumes and Discount for availing the CDs for review. All CDs are available at 860 Morton Street Dorchester, MA (617) 825-6151.
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