J’ai Traversé La Mer

Apparently involved in the avant-garde scene, Edmony Krater brings none of that malarkey here, as he subjects his Guadeloupean heritage to an accessible retro-fusion process. Krater is a Parisian singer, percussionist and occasional trumpeter, emerging from his native gwo ka roots, peaking early in the late 1970s and early 80s, but now revivified via a recent return to recording. The collaboration between Stateside saxophonist David Murray and the Gwo-Ka Masters, almost two decades ago, is the highest profile example of such a blending of jazz and Guadeloupean traditional music. This is a much lighter affair, but shares a similar zest.

Krater retains a sonic aura from 40 years ago, his band awash in treacly keyboard synths that have poor settings and are invariably too high in the mix. It’s the leader himself who provides the earthy qualities, in his vocals and percussion, leading a lively backing chorus through a set of propulsive numbers, with influences hinting at Afrobeat, US funk and South African piano. Krater’s glossy crew encircles a roughened frontman spirit, and it’s a shame that the decorative horns, pricking guitar and inventive percussion aren’t highlighted more in the spread. Standout ‘Se Tan Nou’ develops a notably powerful groove, with Krater’s rasped vocals dominant.