– General Description: Lakou Mizik is a collection of musicians ranging in age from early twenties to late sixties. The group formed after the 2010 Haitian earthquakes and represents a cross section of Haiti's musical, social, religious, and geographic spectrum. “Lakou”, in this case, translates as "home" or “where you are from" – in Haiti, this place is filled with the ancestral spirits of all the others that were born there. Also, the vodou religion has many branches; each has its own holy place (called a lakou) where practitioners come together. All these songs are upbeat with a call and response format. For those who have spent any time in the islands, the entire album will make you feel like you’re at a casual jump-up with friends. Every song encourages you to sing along. Brilliant in making you feel welcome and happy to be alive, this album deserves all the air time you can give it.
– FCC Compliant: YES
– Recommended Tracks: 2, 4, 8, 12
– Track Reviews:
1. (00:09) Morning in Jacmel - bird sounds, no music
2. ( 03:17) Poze - “ask”; lively and fun; island jump-up music
3. (03:16) Panama'm Tonbe - leisurely reggae; nice solo voices; abrupt ending
4. (04:39) Anba Siklòn - “under hurricane”; quick walking tempo
5. (01:21) Bade Zile - “spatter island”; medium-fast
6. (06:36) Zao Pile Tè - animated; lead yells more than sings, oh well
7. (04:07) Tanbou'n Frape - “hit the drum”; a mellow tempo, but not slow
8. (04:12) Peze Kafe - “coffee press”; walking tempo
9. (04:03) Pran Ka Mwen - “take my case”; medium-fast with female lead
10. (03:42) Is Fa Ti Bo - “a kiss for you”; lively New Orleans Mardi Gras sounding
11. (01:45) Parenn Legba - sounds like you’re working on the railroad
12. (06:33) Wa Di Yo - “they tell”; song invites listeners to join their lakou and share