Fruits de la patience

This album continues Dédé St. Prix's string of strong releases. As music critic Gene Scaramuzzo said about the style, "drummer Marce Pago, along with Dédé St. Prix took the torch first lit by Eugene Mona in the '70s and ran with it to bridge the gap between the growing early-'80s zouk scene and a rural percussive form of Martiniquan music called chouval bwa." He has solidified this connection with each subsequent album and this album shows that his genius and highly infectious energy haven't diminished in the least. From the downbeat of the second track, the sensually irresistible Martinquan rhythm has the listener under its spell. DéDé's bamboo flute playing off and floating above the deep-down percussion generates his unique tropical vibe. The roster of musicians that he has backing him is the cream of the Antillean crop. He includes a rousing tribute to the late Celia Cruz that would make her proud. The album sparkles with twists, turns, and surprises. It's never repetitive or bland. The music-making is fun as one can hear from the recorded belly laughs. One can't help being swept up and away to the Antilles. Highly recommended.