Erzulie Oh! This killer double vinyl set traces the convergence of several international and homegrown styles and flavors during what is now considered the golden period of musical innovation in Haiti. Exhaustive research by the Ostinato Records crew yielded a bevy of recordings that "encompass the vast diversity of styles during the seminal years of musical innovation and percussive potency in Haiti. From the legendary, elegant big band dance parties in iconic nightclubs of Port-au-Prince to the rhythms of the countryside; from accordion-driven meringue and Vodou-derived drum patterns, to hypnotic tenor sax arrangements and psychedelic interpretations of folklore, the music of 1960's, '70's, & '80's Haiti enjoys a royal repute across the Caribbean, West Africa, and the Colombian coast." You can sense traces of the same sweltering tropical heat and ghosts of colonial oppression that contributed to the birth of calypso, soca, ska and reggae, but the laidback disposition of the players still comes through strongly. Zotobre's "Lagen," which leads off the comp, opens with a fury of tribal drumming and frantic accordian playing, then breaks into a groove as cool as any Blue Note jazz circa 1964. Also check: Ibo Combo's "Souffrance," Tabou Combo's "Gislene," Chanel 10's "Lola," Les Pachas du Canape Vert's "Samba Pachas No. 2."

• double vinyl pressing
• deluxe gatefold sleeve
• 20 page booklet with extensive liner notes and photos
• music label: Ostinato Records 2017

reviewed by mayor of hounslow 09/2017