Fo Ou Tchimbi – Decision

Gratien Midonet’s fourth album from 1989. It came about as a ‘conte musical’ (which could be translated as ‘musical tale’ in English. It refers to a narration of – usually short – imaginary stories accompanied by music) which Midonet presented at the Pompidou Centre as part of a series which focused on the oral dimension of literature. This orality comes to the foreground on this album, even more than on any others, as you can hear and feel Midonet’s prowess with words and melodies. The Creole language smiles with joy and ease even for non French and non Creole speakers. This is the definition of poetry in music, as well as a prime example of Creole soul. His faithful collaborator and keyboard player Luther Perreau truly shines on this album, adding crisp cosmic touches to most tracks, especially on ‘Antille Ô Cristal’ which could easily be played out on the most adventurous of dance-floors in 2021.

Elsewhere Jocelyne Béroard (fellow Martinican, of Kassav fame) sings the chorus of ‘Kérozin’ Jamb’ Fin’, while a kora makes a surprise appearance on the majestic ‘Maché Kochi’. Once again this is a totally unique album, coming deep from within Midonet’s (Creole) soul. Fully remastered digital only release.

Tracklist:
1. Fo Ou Tchimbé
2. Keronsin’ Jamb’ Fin’
3. La Reine
4. Decision
5. Antille ô Cristal
6. Maché Kochi

Credit:
Arranged By, Keyboards – Luther Péreau
Bass – Prosper St. Aimé
Chorus – Gladys Péreau, Isabelle Lebret, Laureen Rattray, Martin Midonet, Tara Sehaft, Véronique Koné
Directed By, Producer – Richard Cassin
Engineer – Bruno Stévens
Featuring – Jocelyne Beroard
Flute – Marie-Françoise Burlat
Lead Vocals, Composed By – Gratien Midonet
Sequenced By – Michel Van Gysel
Tambourine, Percussion – Christian Nicolas, Esther Wilson, René Dambury

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