Haitiando Volume 1

Haitiando | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 1, 2000)
• Original Release Date: January 1, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: CDBY
• ASIN: B000059PEF
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #483,062 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

About 7 years ago, I invited "Haitiando" vocalist, Boulo Valcourt, to play guitar with an Afro-Cuban band at a club in Manhattan. His improvised solo was so good that after a choral break they invited him to solo again. It was then that we spoke of doing someday a project called "Haitiando". Since it was to be simultaneously Haitian and Afro-Cuban, it would therefore be very different from the salsa sound of New York, in whose performance, the band is little more than background for the singer and the spaces for improvisation and groove essential to African-Based dance music are taken out.

A few weeks ago I called Fred Paul to review his "Compas 2000" CD featuring the soft and raspy voice of Boulo on an African-Compas track. He then told me about his nearly completed "Haitian-tinged" Cuban album, in Kreyol, with lots of solos (sometimes two on the same track), by riffing 'charanga' violins, guitars, tres, piano, trumpets and congas; the sweet 'son' or Oriente Cuba, and vocals by Boulo Valcourt. All it needed was a name. Haiti and Cuba had a long and little known history of musical collaboration. Two historical periods stand out and make up the essence of "Haitiando" In the 1790's some French and Haitian musicians running from Haiti's war of independence left Saint-Domingue to find refuge a few miles west of Cuba in Oriente. They brought with them the "Contredanse", and the "Charanga-Fancese", a classical ensemble of flute, violins and timpani percussion. In the about 130 years it took to develop the modern Charnga, the kettle drums were replaced by the Afro-Cuban rhythm section, and the 'Contredanse' flowed into the 'Danzon'. Thanks to legendary musicians like Antonio Romeau and flutist "Arcano y sus Maravillas" a charnga band that included the Lopez brothers that included the Lopez brothers: Orestes on Cello, and the living legend "Cachao" on bass, "Haitiando" was born. They kept the classical paseo introduction, and the slid into improvised "tail" of mambo, cha-cha, and son-montuno, Cuba's sensous marriage of Spain and Africa.

In the 1920's Haitian migrant workers went to Oriente to cut sugar cane, and this time they brought something back: the guitars, maracas, claves, bongos and the sweet 'son' of artist like: Miguel Matamoros, Los Compadres, Compay Segundo and Cheo Marguetti. Haitian musician like "Etolies du Soir" and "Coupè-Clouè" used it to create their 'son' drenched compas hybrids, and country 'siwel' music. Throughout the years, and especially with the advent of radio, Haitian musicians have kept an ear on Cuban music. From their 'Contredanse", edged of Danzons like "Almendra", by big bands like septentrionnal and Jazz des Jeunes, to original Afro-Cuban tracks by groups like Frères Déjean and Los Diplomaticos de Haiti, the music of Cuba is no stranger to Haiti.

"Haitiando" is the sum of all this and more. In one CD you get the riffing violin and flute-Charanga swing, and the sensuous guitar driven 'son' of Oriente. You can hear the influences of charangas like "Orq. Aragon" and "America del 55", and the guitar and trumpet laden "Septeto Nacional" and "Septeto Habanero", In short, it's a true look at Haiti's long and ongoing experiences with Cuban music. "Haitiando" keeps the "tipico-sabor', and gives us a Haitian flavored taste of the music that enchanted people like Coupè-Clouè. This is music for the ear, imagination and soul, built from the dance floor up. Aside from Boulo's soul-full and plaintive vocals, "Haitiando" Features some of the best Latino musicians to be found in Miami: Guitarist Juanito Marquez, flutist Rene Lorente (Orquesta Aragon), and Haitian pianist/arranger Eddie Prophete of Montreal. Across-the board menu of slick bolero and cha-cha, a riffing charanga 'groove'; and son-montuno, is the work of producer Fred Paul. His secret is to start arranging as soon as he has the right vocalist in mind for the project and then ask him whether he would want to participate.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haitiando is a winner, February 15, 2001

By 

"dianainhaiti" (Port au Prince, Haiti) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Haitiando Volume 1 (Audio CD)

Haitiando, volume 1, with Boulo Valcourt and Eddy Prophet is a real winner. While preserving traditional Haitian troubadour music (that was formerly doomed to be lost in the sea of modern Compas), it adds a new spice and flavor that will keep these songs alive for 50 plus years to come. Whether you just have to get up and dance the cha cha cha or salsa to the infectious rhythms or listen while dining with your significant other, Haitiando will win your heart every time!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must-have CD for anyone who loves GOOD MUSIC!, January 26, 2005

By 

Jose A. Diaz "vascaino" (Clifton, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Haitiando Volume 1 (Audio CD)

I'm not a big fan of Caribbean music at all, but I do recognize good music when I hear it, and Haitiando has to be one of the most marvelous Carribean music CD that I have ever heard. This combination of Cuban son and Creole lyrics will eventually make you dance and sing every song that's on the CD. If you disdain salsa music, this CD will eventually gain your heart and make you realize that the salsa singers of today are nothing but sellouts and untalented losers who share the same tacky taste for salsa music like the rest of their audience, so don't feel bad if you like this CD, because it's actually GREAT CD.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Move over Buena Vista!, February 15, 2001

By 

Tom Pena (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Haitiando Volume 1 (Audio CD)

The music of HAITIANDO (Volume 1) is like a breath of fresh air. This is Haitian music with a spicy Afro-Cuban flavor, at times reminiscent of legendary Cuban bands such as, Orquesta Aragon, and Arcano y sus Maravillas. The style is breezy and laid back. The arrangements give new life to Cuban classics such as, El Bodeguero and Almendra, both of which have been done to death. What's more the lyrics are in French Kreole!! If you are looking for something that reveals another side of Cuban music, this is it. In my opinion, a wonderful recording. It is my understanding that a Volume 2 is due (if it is not out already) soon. Move over Buena Vista Club, there is room for everyone!!