ERICK COSAQUE Vinilo y CD

Review: Influential Guadeloupean musician Erick Cosaque released his seminal Cosaque 1978 in, funnily enough, 1977. Now, Heavenly Sweetness reissue this sun soaked classic from the man who was one of the most notable interpreters of Caribbean island culture. He became one of the main exponents of the local Gwo-ka tradition as exemplified by this album. The eight tracks are highly rhythmic affairs with expressive vocal work jostling next to majestic lead horns and a general sense of energy that conveys the hustle and bustle of a busy weekend market day.

Review: Erick Cosaque has been part of the musical landscape of the French West Indies, and Guadeloupe in particular, for almost half a century. Between the early 1970s and the mid 1990s he was one of the driving forces of the distinctive "gwo kwa" style, but also turned his hand to zouk, funk, soul, spoken word and jazz. This fine compilation gathers together some of his most potent tracks and includes both solo efforts and those made with artists such as Voltage 8 and X7 Nouvelle Dimension. It's a hugely vibrant, colourful and life-affirming collection, with highlights including the joyous group vocals and tropical rhythms of "Joue Zizipan", the sax-laden sun-down strut of "Jean Line La Clere", and the upbeat funk/gwo kwa fusion of LP highlight "De Chate Cole".

Review: Destination Guadeloupe: Sofrito Super Singles' second "Percussion Series" EP takes us deep into the legendary work of Erick Cosaque a man who began as a singer but has become progressively more experimental ever since. His work in the late 80s and 90s is especially inspiring as he combined dense layers of African percussion with subtle drum machines and folk singing. The result is a hypnotic weave of ageless elements drawn with honesty, clarity and rhythmic allure - especially in these crystal clear remastered forms.