Customer Reviews

Aibobo

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Fans of world music will certainly find this a both satisfying and curious treat. After a crack at the music business with a New Wave band in the 1980's, American Richard Morse, returns to settle in his mother's turbulent homeland. There he formed RAM, combining his lyrics, sung primarily in English, with Caribbean song forms. Featuring voodou drumming, this cross-cultural brew creates a sound that brings to mind the pop music of western Africa, with its call and response vocals, delicate chiming guitars, and layers of beautiful purcussion. The songs speak of the unrest of daily life in Port au Prince, as well as the universal knotty problems of male/female relationships.

I was fortunate to attend a RAM concert while I was in Haiti in 2000 at the Hotel Olafsson. I had no idea what to expect. While eating dinner at Hotel Olafsson I could hear sounds of drumming outside. It grew louder and I could hear some horns and whistles. The band entered the hotel playing their instruments as if they were in a parade. It was incredible. The music really makes you want to move.

Whenever I listen to this album I'm taken back to that warm winter night at Hotel Olafsson, and I can't help but smile. The music has such passion and great messages.

If you want some insight about RAM, read "The Immaculate Invasion" by Bob Shacochis. The opening chapters cover the impact that RAM had on Haitian "politics" prior to the US invasion. Very interesting stories about how the military running the country reacted to the song "Fey". RAM had alot of courage along with a great sound.

I think "RAM" is the best group of haitian music i've ever heard. I would really like to tell others that their music can make you learn a lot of about yourself and can help you make changes in your life. I would really like to tell them to keep up the good work, and good luck in their next album. A real fan glaphira desir