Boarding Pass
Encuentro, 2023
9/10
An assembly of artists who embrace the sounds of Latin America, the Caribbean, and Miami, the Haitian performer, composer and player Reginald Policard welcomes some incredible guests to this worldly listen.
“Encuentro Theme” opens with a rich spirit, where Sammy Figueroa’s animated percussion and Jean Caze and Teddy Mulet’s bright trumpets add much intrigue, and “Sabor Caribenó” follows with Angelique Kidjo’s soulful pipes alongside Policard’s warm keys.
“Sa’K Pasé” occupies the middle spot and showcases flowing winds for the dreamy and rhythmic climate, while “Choucoune” features Jeff Policard’s distinct pipes amid the well timed backing vocals for an intimate album highlight.
Residing near the end, “Celebration” is indeed a festive moment of upbeat drumming, hand clapping fun and many harmonic voices, and “Toda Fé” exits with Gilmar Gomes’ inimitable percussion complementing the vocal combo of Richard Bona and Angélique Kidjo.
The resumes of the players here is tremendous, and their collective skill makes for an infectious and globally exciting body of work.
Travels well with: Sergio Pamies- Time To Say; Omer Leshem- Play Space