Haitian Music for the Weekend

Really enjoying Les Shleu Shleu these days. Check out this one, too. The band's mini-jazz format, collaboration between guitar and saxophone, and, at times, carrying rock and other influences, is a potent combination. I can see why they were a hit not only in Haiti but also elsewhere in the French Antilles, Colombia, etc. 

Café au lait by Les Shleu Shleu

"Café au lait" by Les Shleu Shleu is a stirring minor-toned piece with gorgeous guitar. Also, apparently the group was initially funded by an Arab Haitian (source). Does that explain the seemingly North African-influenced band name? I'm not sure, I suppose it's possible. The guitarist, using a lot of reverb produces a pleasing sound that, though repetitive, is very dark and sounds like guitar music of Latin America, although much of Haitian music would use similar minor scales and feature 'ominous' sounds, right? Regardless, it's a beautiful song showing how great Haitian music of the 1960s can be, without a full horn section, too! And listen to that drummer!  For no reason whatsoever, check out "Oscalypso" by Art Blakey from one of his 'worldbeat' 1950s albums, the electric amp connected to the cello reminds me of this song. And check out the rest of the Les Shleu Shleu album here!