HaitiaNola
Cumbancha, 2019
8/10
The Haitian roots revival stars Lakou Mizik are in great company here, as they align themselves with luminaries from the New Orleans scene across 14 tracks of energetic, eclectic and vibrant sounds.
“Renmen” starts the listen with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band helping on the rhythmic, festive opener, and “Pistach Griye", with Trombone Shorty, follows and delivers an upbeat and dance friendly delivery with plenty of brass fun.
In the middle, “Lakou Dogwe” features Anders Osborne on a textured and cultured highlight, while “Azaka Vini We’n” finds itself vocally strong and musically bare with an authentic feel. "Sa Na Kenbe”, one of the album’s best, then brings grooves in spades to the party on the anthemic affair.
At the end, “Bouyon Lakou” lets The Soul Rebels illuminate the soulful atmosphere, and “Mizik Sa Yo”, with King James, flows with calculated melody and glorious rhythm amid gritty horns for a glorious exit.
A listen that meshes the funk lineage of New Orleans with the rebel spirt of Haiti, with each tracking showcasing guests, HaitiaNola is nothing if not unpredictable, and easily keeps us enthralled along the way.
Travels well with: Afro-Haitian Experimental Orchestra- Afro Haitian Experimental Orchestra; Idan Raichel- And If you Will Come To Me