When most people think of Zouk Music, the first name that comes to mind is Kassav.
Zouk, the popular music of Guadeloupe and Martinique is sometimes referred to as French Soca/Calypso, although it is much more smooth and refined. Kassav has been around for over 20 years, however, their albums have been difficult to find outside of France and the French Caribbean. A new company has recently begun to import their recordings with three new albums released in the past year.
1) Cho, is a live recording from 1996 . It features new versions of some of Kassav’’s best known songs including Dife’’ and Zouk La Se. This recording was made at the Zenith in Paris and the sound quality is excellent. 2) Un Toque Latino, also includes well known material such as O Madiana and Que Tal Te Fue. The twist here is the songs feature Cuban musicians bringing a Latin flavor to Kassav’’s sound. If you like Zouk and Latin music you will love this brilliant fusion. 3) Best of 20th Anniversaire, is the latest release. This album features material recorded between 1984 and 95 plus three new songs.
Although some songs are repeated on these three CD’’s, the versions are so radically different that true Kassav fans will probably want all three. As always, the French recordings are impeccable.
For a full range of Caribbean music, check out www.parrotfishmusic.com.
Mr. Fish