GabelGabel
“Gon Jan Pou Ye”
The restless band Gabel returns with a fresh batch of songs in their latest effort for the hearts of concert goers. The album, “Gon Jan Pou Ye” is an independent release hosting 14 original compositions from one of the industry’s up and coming ensembles.
Gabel is earning its keep the old fashioned way. Whatever they’ve enjoyed in terms of fame or success has been the result of relentless effort on their part. They’ve learned from their lackluster albums and gradually produced better products. They’ve spent an incredible amount of energy on the road playing before diverse audiences and effectively showcasing their adventures on industry websites. They’ve yet to lock in the hit album that will catapult them fully into the mainstream but one thing time on the road gives any commercial artist is some significant insights on what their audiences want. So far, Gabel’s slogans are more popular than their songs; can the new album change all that?
If there are two words I could use to describe this album they would be: “hard hitting”. “Gon Jan Pou Ye” means business in every sense of the word, especially with numbers like, “Pa Kite…” an aggressively played tune that settles somewhere between a T-Vice and CaRiMi product but with a stronger set of synth effects, heart stopping percussion arrangements, pleasant choruses and a killer guitar groove section. The band’s two lead singers, Katalog and Flav, deliver like pros on the romantic “Don’t Cry” another number that screams for approval with its own set of captivating instrumental attack. Former Zenglen musician, Ritchie shares his magic on drums and the horn arrangements for the band’s title track, “Gon Jan Pou Ye” which definitely ranks high among the album’s many exciting moments.
Gabel delivers big with “Gon Jan Pou Ye”. The album is definitely the band’s most consistent and well balanced release. The overall mix is nice and heavy , song arrangements are exciting, strong grooves abound, the singers deliver their best on every song, most choruses are memorable and the quality of the songwriting has vastly improved from that of previous albums. Gabel didn’t go light with guest appearances either, none other than the “Met beton” himself, Roberto Martino leaves his mark on the album’s first track on vocals and guitar. Other heavyweights like Shedly Abraham, Gerald Kebreau, and a host of lesser known talents combine to make this album quite a treat.
If you have yet to purchase a release from this band, make it a point to start with this one. This may well be album that takes this band to the next level.
T-MickyT-Micky
Pa Chache’m
The industry’s latest sensation, T-Micky, makes his debut appearance with the album, “Pa Chache’m”. The artist’s first release is being distributed by Altino Music Productions and hosts an ambitious 14 original compositions.
Life’s not fair. I too want a famous father to precede me into the music industry. I want to anchor my small feet in the path he has successfully carved as a musician and be seen as his natural heir. I’d also like him to be the leader of my home country in the prime of my life. Talk about lucky sperm club,
I want to be in T-Micky’s shoes right about now.
Of course, I’m kidding we all know the pressures that come from dealing with the legacy of accomplished parents. Just ask the Marley children, while there may be many sweet moments, the pressure to live up to or surpass the standard of the “Pharoah” can’t be easy. But never mind all that. Does the boy have talent?
In a word- Yeah! If young Micky delivers live what he has created on his very first release he will definitely rival his father’s achievements in music. The album is filled with the energy of youth especially in songs like the groove laced “Yo Sezi” where Sandro shows off some of his father’s vocal traits and a greater portion of the elder’s theatrical charm. The song boasts an inventive melody, catchy choruses, sparse but aggressive guitars and pulsating backing rhythms. The breathtaking “Atache” presents something totally new in the pace of lyrical delivery on a Konpa composition; fed as it is with influences ranging from the work of Mika Benjamin to CaRiMi. The sensuous “Marya” showcases the artist’s flair for great melodies and a certain risk taker mentality with song arrangements. Other noteworthy tunes include hard hitting “Pa gen sa” and the romantic “Pou’n Ale” for which the artist has already released a video.
T-Micky is off to a very good start with “Pa Chache’m”. Sandro Martelly has inherited his father’s wild show-biz persona, his taste for beautiful melodies and further, is steeped in modern musical trends. The sound of the album overall will remind you of the work of Dega, T-Vice and CaRiMi and not necessarily the elder’s (Sweet Micky’s) style. The quality of the songwriting is very good and the musical ideas explored here are interesting. The instrumental charms of the album are plentiful and range from the robust guitar stylings that bejewel most songs, to inventive percussion arrangements, to the catchy synth work that grabs the listener on many tunes.
Of course there are weaknesses, Sandro’s vocals, while good, have to be further developed if he is to maintain a strong foothold in the industry and although I thoroughly enjoyed the rapid, wordy and melodic songwriting, too much of a good thing can take away from its novelty.
T-Micky will definitely surprise you with the extent of his talent. This album is as much theater as it is music; discover this little gem today! And no I’m not saying that because his father happens to be the President and I’m itching for a cabinet appointment. I, Steve Desrosiers, approve this message!
The Reporter Thanks: Patrick St. Germain of Parfumerie International for availing these albums for review. The CDs are available at 860 Morton Street, Dorchester or by calling 617-825-6151.