CHARDAVOINE - THE TRIBUTE | A Collection of Stories to Honor the Haitian Culture

The project "Tribute" is a compilation of tracks from a live performance in Harlem, New York, on August 28, 2009 by Chardavoine, whom the listener will discover as a fine and exquisite guitarist with a personal crystal clear sound. Build from the support of more than a dozen skillful musicians, this project presents some new arrangements on traditional and popular pieces of our repertoire as well as two pieces, written by Stevland Morris and Stevie Wonder, dedicated respectively to Haiti and to the late Michael Jackson.

This album responds to a call from the artist to exorcise the suffering and the pains January 12 left in our mind and soul. This voyage is comprised of seven tracks with an average length of 10 minutes per track. They are open pieces with enough room for soloists to blossom and to express their greatest talents. Jean Caze (trumpet) reiterates his ability to raise the bar higher and higher. Guest artist Dave Valentin (flute) pays tribute to Haiti's quake victims with a stunning and ferocious interlude which seems to impersonate the seism waves. The whole band delivers a smooth jazz environment that open the road to lengthy solos strewn with colorful riffs and impressive licks. The band leader and guitar virtuoso gives the listeners many good reasons to acquire this CD.

We like the idea of the tribute to the quake's victims. Lavi Mizisyen, the last tack on the album, is probably the first attempt to play an original Konpa composition into a jazz format. This album represents a good sample of what the guitarist has been doing lately on the New York Jazz scene and announces or preambles what will come next. Do not miss the boat. Better rush to get your copy …

Alphonse Piard, Jr. (ALPI)
January 22, 2011