Search - Various Artists :: Zouk Attack

The best Zouk compilation available in the USA

M. Romano | Delmar, NY USA | 04/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Zouk compilation, put together by Gene Scaramuzzo former contributor to Beat Magazine, is an excellent introduction to the music of Guadeloupe and Martinique. The tracks are a good sample of Zouk and its precursor Cadence. The music of these islands is a rich melange of African, Haitian, Spanish influences. It DOES NOT sound like Reggae as so many people think. The music on this disc is filled with irresistible cadence rhythms for dancing. From the Zouk love of Luc Leandry's "Douce" to Typical Combo's(one of Guadeloupe's legendary groups) "An Ba An Ba", the grooves don't let up. Tatiana(now an established star in the Antilles) shows her youthful soul in vocals that are truly powerful. The licks are simple yet unforgettable. The percussion on almost all the tracks is the real thing, no drum machines. This was the first compilation of Zouk I bought when I was first introduced to the music of the French Antilles some 10 years ago and it has not paled. The liner notes by Gene Scaramuzzo are excellent and extensive. He is the only American reviewer of this exceptional music and also a great repository for information on its history. If you want a revelatory listening experience, buy this disc. I warn you that it will not be particularly easy finding stacks of Zouk cd's at your record store or on the web. But I do predict that you will be Zoukified once you have listened to this disc once through. I'd like to see a reprise volume from Rounder. After this, buy some Kassav next. And then...."