In homage to the way music was played in Haiti before electricity arrived,
Haitian Troubadours collects tracks from several Haitian musicians, most of them well known in the Caribbean, all reinterpreted in acoustic settings.
Jacob Desvarieux, one of the founders of the group
Kassav, brings his smoky voice to the accordion-led "Ou Lé," the standout track here. Jude Jean's gently orchestrated "Ki Lang Ou Palé" is another highlight.
Alan Cavé, lead singer of the band
Zin, does an easy, swinging version of "Ma Rose." Eric Charles (from the Compas band Mizik) shines on "Ayizan." Well sequenced,
Haitian Troubadours keeps a pleasant, mid-tempo groove throughout, and the sound is bright and intimate. ~ Steve Leggett