spirited hopeful visionary jazz Obed Calvaire – 150 MILLION GOLD FRANCS: When we think of the music of Haiti, we’re not usually thinking about jazz, but the creations that drummer Obed presents on this album give you some of the most spirited hopeful visionary jazz you’ll ever listen to, folks. The 12 April, 2024 release doesn’t yet have any videos posted, so here’s a trio performance from a year or so ago that will let you see Obed’s high-energy playing…
There are a few other videos available to enjoy when you SUBSCRIBE to Obed’s YouTube channel (and hopefully he will post some performances of the songs from the new album).
The opener, 6:40 “Sa Pa Fem Anyen“, is a wonderful example of the poly rhythmic beauty that Obed and his players (Godwin Louis alto sax, Harold St. Louis keyboards, Dener Ceide guitar, Sullivan Fortner piano and organ, Addi Lafosse electric bass and Jonathan Michel bass) create for you… if I were voting, this tune would DEFINITELY win awards!
There was absolutely no doubt in my mind after my second listen through all seven superb songs what my choice for personal favorite would be… the title tune, “150 Million Gold Francs“, is jam-packed with the kind of energy seldom heard these days… I absolutely LOVED the keyboards, and (again) the rhythms are full of life and hope for the future.
I give Obed and his players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99. Get more information, pre-order and learn more about the album on Obed’s Bandcamp page for the release (below).
