Rapadou Kreyol
Cumbancha, 2020
8/10
A Haiti native who built his first guitar out of an oil can and shoe lace, Wesli has lived a life surrounded by music, and here his vast skill culminates in an album of intricate and rich song craft where messages of hope, truth and peace resonate.
‘Neg Dahome” starts the listen with creative sounds amid harmonic group vocals, and this continues to the percussively heavy “Ayizan”, as well as reggae influenced and banjo prowess of “Lolé Lolé”.
Elsewhere, “Pran Pasyans” benefits greatly from accordions, while the horns on “Lanmou Nou” breathe plenty of energy into the laid back and groove friendly atmosphere. “Ba Ll Lavi” then unfolds like a cultured folk song and is one of the strongest tracks present.
Back half highlights include the dynamic instrumentation of “Wongol O”, where soaring vocals leave an impression, and “Nan Lakoua” recruits strategic flute and a quick pace of feisty rhythm you could and should dance to. “Legba” ends the listen with a dizzying display of calculated rhythm, as smooth vocals highlight the festive environment.
Now living in Canada, Wesli still holds his Haitian roots close to his heart, as Petro, Congo, Rada, Nago and Rara rhythms are in attendance as he offers us 20 tracks of varied, cultured and exciting songwriting.
Travels well with: Alpha Blondy- Revolution; Tiken Jah Fakoly- African Revolution