Information/Write-up
Originally from Haiti and based in Montreal, Wesli explores the past and the future of Haitian music with the epic two-album Tradisyon opus. This first volume focuses on Haitian traditions, with powerful rara carnival rhythms, deeply soulful Creole and Yoruba chants and delightful banjo-led twoubadou folk melodies. Out October 21 on the Cumbancha label. Visit the MUSIC menu link for more info and to pre-order.
As its name suggests, Tradisyon is intended to be an opus rooted in the Haitian roots of Montrealer Wesley Louissaint, as well as a return to the sources and musical traditions of his native island. By drawing on these traditions, Africa inevitably emerges through these 19 songs imbued with voodoo sounds of the Lakous, banda, petro, ganga, nago, congo and yanvalou rhythms, Creole, Yoruba and tradisyon singing, all accompanied by ancient instruments such as the bamboo, the manouba, the wimble, the kata, the segon, the boula, the manman and the Fulani flute, the artist's favorite instrument.
Enjoying an international reputation for several years, Wesli has proven to be an electrifying stage artist. In addition to singing, the artist accompanies himself with several instruments, makes complex arrangements, mixes his compositions and always delivers a committed message. On the other hand, in the company of the Wesli Band, his strong band of musicians who certainly magnify his performances, Wesli frequently collaborates with other renowned artists, as on the song Peze Café, a Lakou Kongo song from Haiti with special guest Kizaba, or on the first extract published last summer, composed and performed with Paul Cargnello, Le Soleil descends.
Wesli's voice lends perfect authenticity to the three tribute pieces composed for Tradisyon; with the song Samba with a petro rhythm, he pays homage to Azor Rasin Mapou, while the piece rara Wawa sé rèl O celebrates the tenors of root music Wawa Rasin Kanga. Finally, Konté m Rakonté m sings the praises of Éric Charles, a tenor from the Ayiti Troubadour series.
Recorded at Planet Studios, Montreal and WUP Wes Urban Productions
Accordion, Keyboards, Bass, Mixed By – Pascal Laraque
Backing Vocals – Cindy Belotte, Emmanuella Michel, Jerone Longchamps, Poppy Duverné, Sanya Michel Elie Gaya, Sherley Skai
Bass – Watson Joseph
Cajón – Kattam L Coté
Calabash, Udu – Moise Matey Yawo
Flute [Bamboo Flute], Percussion – Dieuné Racine Gres Balén Rasin
Flute [Peul Flute] – Lasso Sanou
Graphic Design – Alain Mercier, Oliver Ganthier
Instruments [Koné], Vocals, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Percussion, Banjo, Guitar, Ukulele, Programmed By, Producer, Mixed By – Wesli
Mastered By – Guy Hébert
Mixed By – Chislain Brind'amour
Painting – Robert Munro
Percussion – Djolkidi Jean Romane, Duverné Racine, Ronald Nazaire
Photography – Randolph Graham
Violone, Cello – Jean-Frédéric Lizotte
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