Compas for Anacaona

Although not the best musical tribute to Anacaona (that honor belongs to "Anacaona" as sung by Cheo Feliciano), it is interesting to hear a compas-styled Haitian song named for the cacica. 

Bingo...Live

A live rendition of "Bingo" by Astros, a band featuring the legendary Ti-Manno. One of the classics with an amazing horn section. Mwen di bingo.

Ti-Carole

The original recording with old-school instrumentation is best for this classic. Nemours Jean-Baptiste really did have a great band in those days. Richard Duroseau on accordion is always a plus. 

Les Gypsies de Petionville

Enjoy some guitar-driven compas from Les Gypsies de Petionville, a beautiful sound with propulsive rhythms and stellar guitar. Somewhat reminiscent of Shleu-Shleu, another great band from this era of Haitian popular music.

Some More Skah Shah

Enjoy some classic compas from Skah Shah. In addition to "Caroline," I have enjoyed "Sentiment." This band always excels with a compas sound that is not shy about its 'Latin' influences.

El Aji Caribe

For some reason, Damiron's piano merengues are a tad more compelling than the usual merengue instrumentation. In addition, songs like these are dark, fit for dancing, and remind me of some konpa music. The prominence of the piano (or keyboards, as in some 1970s or 1980s konpa) is like something one could hear in the music of Richard Duroseau or in the sounds of some other mini-jazz (such as Les Vikings, or Tabou Combo).

Combo Congo

A lovely fusion of Haitian kompa and Congolese music.

More Malavoi

I have been listening to Malavoi's "Pousser la vie" on repeat today. Again, we see the band's penchant for fusing different sounds of the Caribbean and Black Atlantic (jazzy piano, Haitian compas, Martinique's history of violin and string music), and it pays off. The song's multi-layered, featuring restrained characteristically Malavoi elements  that succeed with a compas structure and pulsating drums.

Sort Tiers Monde

Ti-Manno...

Con Valor

A lovely kompa tune alluding to Black Orpheus.

Skah Shah

Really enjoying "Haiti" and "Zanmi" by Skah Shah today. The former really is a nice homage to a classic in Haitian music, a tribute to Haiti, and even quotes from the Cuban "Guantanamera" while "Zanmi" is also irresistibly catchy. Nice horns from these Skah Shah songs really go a long way. 

Accolade

I am quite fond of "Accolade," which according to Gage Averill, contained a medley of other hits (including this one), is an infectious kompa hit album that called for unity among musicians and a chance of conscience in a music form tied with Duvalierist Haiti. It's somewhat surprising that Bossa Combo was one of the leading commercial bands to lead to a shift in the kompa music scene politically, given their previous close relationship with Baby Doc. Regardless, they left us some great music.

Volo Volo de Boston

Volo Volo de Boston is one of my favorite kompa groups as of now. Perfect for a relaxing Sunday, enjoy "Amour Volo," too. Moreover, Ti Manno was part of the group! What's not to love?

La noche

Lovely Colombian kompa! Possibly my favorite Joe Arroyo song, it reminds me of "Ti Carole" by Nemours and a few other hits, but with a thoroughly 'modern' sound a greater emphasis on the drums. This is the kind of music I need to find more of, Colombian coastal music reflecting Haitian and Caribbean influences! 

Neg Kont Neg

A great song with a great message.

Musa Original

I am really digging Joe Arroyo these days, a Colombian salsa legend. He even covered Haitian kompa songs, revealing the diversity of Caribbean Colombian music. Although "Musa Original" is a cover of Accolade de New York, Arroyo showed his worth on more Colombian salsa-styled music, as can be heard here, featuring jazzy piano.

David

Lovely. Although I am new to DP Express, I am quite fond of their style, particularly the contributions of Ti-Manno.

Toujou Sou Kompa

DP Express

One of my favorite Caribbean jams, featuring Ti-Manno. Excellent kompa!

Lèlène Chérie

One of my favorites from Shoogar Combo, a superb cover much better than the original. We get prominent horns, keyboards, and delectable melodies.  What's not to love, with that unforgettable chorus?