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Caraïbes > France > Dédé Saint Prix |
Dédé Saint Prix
Dédé Saint Prix has established himself as arguably Martinique’s finest player of the island’s traditional "chouval bwa" music. This tireless performer has elevated these percussion rhythms to a new, more universal level by crossing his tambour beats with Haitian kompa and Rara, "son", ragga, hip hop and charanga. Saint Prix abandoned his teaching career in 1991 to devote himself to the rhythmic traditions of the Caribbeans. In 38 years of playing he has brought out 25 albums and relentlessly performed around the globe. Equally at ease on the flute, Saint Prix has also proven himself to be a dextrous singer and a sensitive composer. His epic live performances have adhered him to all generations of West Indian music lovers. |
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Fruits de la patience
You could argue that "Fruits de la patience" is Saint Prix' most well-rounded and catchy album since his groundbreaking “Chouval bwa sans frontiers” bagged the French SACEM award in 1996. The 52-year-old brings to bear his accumulated experience at the side of some of the French island’s finest traditional musicians in the course of 14 songs that are as diverse as entertaining. He proves here that his creative juices continue to flow and mix with a new generation of Martiniquan artists such as MC Janik and Max Télèphe, who recently excelled in the highly-acclaimed feature film “Biguine”.
The result is a well-polished and entertaining album that does honour to Martinique’s ability to renew its treasure trove of traditional sounds. "Fruits de la patience" opens with a wholehearted laugh, followed by a homage to the dexterity of the Creole language, and a chorus that could remind listeners of the polyphonies from KwaZulu Natal...
But these are not the only surprises this tireless artist reserves At every musical corner one encounters the provocative rhythms of the calbass, the ti-bwa, the manoumba or the chachas that swing or sway along to breezy lyrics, also composed by Saint Prix. The luscious fusion between percussions, flute and the variety of voices that Saint Prix has invited to join him creates a vibrant alchemy to take along to any beach party.
One should note en passant Dédé's homage to the Caribbean queen of "azucar". “Pour Celia Cruz” is a swinging and joyous marriage of Cuban “son”, Trinidadian calypso and Saint Prix’ own sugary vocals. A tune to bring an amused smile to the deceased singer’s face, wherever her present resting place happens to be…
January 25th.
Daniel Brown
 Artist website
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Mélanj
Buda Musique Socadisc
2007 |
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Fruits de la patience
Hibiscus Records WMH
2005 |
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Dédé Saint Prix
Creon Music EMI
200 |
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