As a bit of a musical Francophile with an appreciation ranging from Gong to Daft Punk (and loads in the middle), the sounds from the French Caribbean of Guadeloupe and Martinique have been long overlooked by most diggers in favour of what was happening across the water in Jamaica, especially in the mid 60s to 70s. Thankfully, the guys at Sound Way, particularly compilers Miles Cleret and Hugo Mendez (who was on top form at Big Chill this year on the decks) are not your average record company and have compiled this 20 track compilation that’s full on tumbélé rhythm and gwo ka drums.

This CD has been on the office Hi-Fi all day and, by co-incidence, you can spot the heritage with the recent release by former sparing mate of Hugo, DJ Guy Morley (who’s on after Kanda Bongo Man at the Band On The Wall tonight) and Glyn BiggaBush’s Magic Drum Orchestra (in fact, I’m thinking of MDO’s lithe dancer moving to this CD).

But due to the French and other colonial presence the sound is a heady mix of sixties jazz meets Afro-Latin rhythms with a strong calypso swing often with the horn of choice here, the clarinet (particularly brilliant on ‘La Vie Critique’ with the percussion to the fore).

‘La Vie Critique’ could do with an extended remix but don’t worry, the trio of Anzala, Dolor, Vélo provide 5 and a half minutes of extreme pleasure with ‘Ti Fi La Ou Té Madam’ (I wonder what they are singing about) but it’s a killer (as is the incredible ‘Chombo Meringue’) Unfair really to pick out tracks as they are all so hot - O.K. try ‘Dima Bolane’; totally fresh.

Part of the story of Tumbélé! is that with musicians coming to the islands from Haiti (bringing beguine into the mix) and locals touring Senegal and Ivory Coast, the music is such a magical melting pot. Tumbélé went onto become the sound of zouk that was prevalent all over the Caribbean and Africa in the 80s and there’s so much more information the usual high quality booklet that’s comes with the CD as it is packed with information on the artists, the stories surrounding the recordings and vintage cover artwork.

If you loved Panama!2 and Colombia! -The Golden Age Of Discos Fuentes (and check this week’s Gilles Peterson show with the Will Quantic interview and his Columbian influenced Tradition In Transition) this CD is a worthy follow up and is nailed on winner.

Whilst we might be a tad (OK very) envious of Hugo spending weeks on the Islands researching this album, this is the first time anyone has released this music outside of the French-Caribbean communities so we are truly thankful for his dedication to the task and the wonderfully results even if you’ll get blisters on ya blisters dancing to this - Edamise Oh!

Reviewed: Various - Tumbélé! (Sound Way) Cat. No. SNDWCD/LP017 Release date: 5th October 2009
1. Barel Coppet Et Mister Lof - Jeunesse Vauclin (3:05)
2. Les Loups Noirs D’Haiti - Jet Biguine (3:26)
3. Abel Zenon - Pas O Soué La (2:15)
4. Raphael Zachille - Manzè Mona (2:46)
5. Robert Mavounsy Quartet - Henri Te Vlé Mayé (2:46)
6. L’Orchestre Jeunesse de Paul-Emile Haliar - La Vie Critique (2:21)
7. Orchestre Combo Zombi Et Michel Yeye - Mussieu A Têt’a Poisson La (2:34)
8. Les Kings - Oriza (4:00)
9. Claude Rolcin Et Le West Indian Combo - Colas-La (2:10)
10. Anzala, Dolor, Vélo - Ti Fi La Ou Té Madam’ (5:25)
11. Leopards - D’Leau Coco (5:04)
12. Ensemble La Perfecta - Jojo (4:48)
13. Le Ry-Co Jazz - Dima Bolane (4:09)
14. Lola Martin - Edamise Oh! (4:25)
15. Les Aiglons De Basse Terre - Chombo Meringue (2:37)
16. Les Gentlemens - Son Tambou La (3:48)
17. L’Ensemble Abricot - Chonga (5:20)
18. Francisco - Fileo (2:30)
19. Monsieur Dolor Et Les Guitar Boys - Panty (5:28)
20. Robert Loison - Jean Fouillé, Pie Fouillé (5:09)

Links:
www.soundwayrecords.com
Gilles Peterson :: 30th September 2009 :: Gilles has Quantic in conversation “This Week’s Show, Gilles has Quantic in conversation about his latest album and life & music in Columbia. Big tunes from around the world including Quadron, Noze, Manu Diabango and more.