Cœur d'un homme / Coeur d'un homme

May Ransay's Coeur d'un Homme is a very enjoyable blend of Martiniquan modern biguine, mazurka biguine, biguine ragamuffin, carnaval biguine, quadrille, and a romping calypso, "Megalo." The tracks reflect his finesse at updating the traditional Martiniquan dance rhythms. The mazurka and quadrille are European salon dance forms that have been creolized and injected with African energy. To his credit, Max Ransay shows that these dance forms are alive and well in Martinique. The title track is a beautifully sensuous biguine whose true appreciation rests with those who can feel and dance it. It is also a wonder to behold for those who have never had the pleasure of dancing under a Caribbean sky and moon. The one carnaval biguine here is more up-tempo and has unmistakable Haitian influences. With the able accompaniment of Guy Vadeleux on trombone and Kali on banjo, this album contains some moving music underpinned by a solid percussion section. The interplay between brass, reeds, banjo, and percussion is very deftly executed and shows what happens when European styles are blended with African rhythms. May Ransay is one of the older masters of the music of Martinique. Highly recommended as a good introduction to his music.