Shada

Whilst reading an article on SHADA by Matthew Smith, we were pleasantly reminded me this song by Trio Select quoted at the end. Somehow we did not connect the dots between SHADA and this composition when we first heard this song several years ago. Smith's article is also definitely worth reading for challenging the standard way SHADA has been presented by Haitian historians. Although there is much to criticize, the reality was more nuanced...

Min Rat La

Another excellent cover by a French Antillean band of one of my favorite songs from Trio Select! I am not sure if they were more influenced by Ibo Combo's version than the original, but regardless, both groups managed to surpass the original (the horns and jazziness of Ibo Combo has made them one of my favorite kompa groups). Another excellent rendition of Trio Select's song comes from the man himself later in life, listen here! Also, to hear the original from Trio Select, check out this. I love this style of kompa, drenched in darkness and fine Afro-Caribbean grooves.