"A fascinating document that swings like hell." Mojo ****

"The first in-depth survey of the Caribbean country’s unique and varied musical history... sure to make a huge impact." Vinyl Factory

The product of over two years of research, ‘Haiti Direct’ is the first compilation to bring together rarities from the heyday of Haiti’s compas and twoubadou scenes during 1960-1978. Compiled by Sofrito’s Hugo Mendez, the album features tracks by Ibo Combo, Les Loups Noirs, Ti Paris and more.

After literally years in the making, Haiti Direct collection, compiled by Hugo Mendez of Sofrito, celebrates the overlooked musical legacy of Haiti, going beyond Ra-ra and voodoo stereotypes to trace the development of a unique sound that echoed across the Caribbean, yet remains relatively under the radar outside of the region.

Hugo Mendez from Sofrito presents the first ever retrospective of the golden era of Haitian music from the big band sound of compas direct in the mid-'50s to the inspired mini jazz scene of the '60s and '70s. The album covers influential bandleaders such as Nemours Jean-Baptiste and Webert Sicot and the wave of smaller bands that followed in their wake, many building ultra-loyal audiences from their local neighbourhoods. Tracks also cover the more folk-based and acoustic twoubadou style, popularised by artists like Coupe Cloue. Many bands would later make the move to the States and enjoy further success among the Haitian ex-pat communities including Tabou Combo, Shleu-Shleu and Ibo Combo. 'Haiti Direct' tells the full story.

Note: the 2LP vinyl version includes CDs containing all album tracks

The Sunday Times was calling the collection “essential listening" while the BBC Radio 6 Music is playlisting it regularly.

LISTEN HERE

released January 1, 2013