Various Artists: Cadence Revolution - Disques Debs International Vol. 2 (Vinyl 2xLP)

Strut present the second volume in a series of compilations taken from the archives of Disques Debs International, the longest-running and most prolific label of the French Caribbean.

Set up by the late Henri Debs in the late ‘50s, the label has continued for over 50 years, releasing hundreds of records and playing a pivotal role in bringing the creole music of Guadeloupe and Martinique to a wider international audience.

Volume 2 of the series focuses on the label’s ‘70s output and the development of the unique Cadence sound, pulling disparate influences into a Pan-Caribbean blend of rhythms, styles and languages that dominated the dancehalls, clubs and concerts of the decade.

Based in a small but state-of-the-art studio on the first floor of Henri Debs’ Club 97-1, just outside Pointe-à-Pitre in the town of Gosier, the label hosted sessions from the cream of local and regional talent, hothousing ideas into over 100 LP and 45 releases over the decade that reflected an increasingly confident creole identity.

Groups like Les Vikings, Super Combo and Typical Combo along with a host of lesser-known bands were in fierce but friendly competition in the bals, dances and concerts in Guadeloupe, across the region and into Metropolitan France. Haitian Compas, Congolese influences from le Ry-Co Jazz, cadence-lypso and reggae from Dominica and a heavy dose of jazz and Puerto Rican salsa were thrown into the mix alongside local biguine, quadrille and gwo ka to power an unrivalled recorded output.

Compiled by Hugo Mendez (Sofrito) and Emile Omar (Roseaux), Cadence Revolution is released in conjunction with Henri Debs et Fils and Air Caraibes. The package features previously unseen photos from the Debs archive with both formats featuring extensive liner notes and an interview with singer and trombonist Christian Zora (Les Maxel’s, Energy).

1. Super Combo - Moin Domi Dérhô
2. Les vikings de la Guadeloupe - Ambiance (Guhe Huiamo)
3. Typical Combo - Piensalo Bien
4. Guadafrica Combo - Moin Ce Roi Roi
5. Galaxy - Disco Funk
6. Koumbit - Lagé Yo
7. Smoke - Lina Femm’ Foll
8. Les Rapaces - Music Passe Partout
9. H.W.T. Band - Good Trip
10. Midnight Groovers - Stranger (Disques Debs Version)
11. Ti Celeste - Moin Envie Danser On Belle Biguine
12. Bienveillance Abymienne - Ti Jenes An Nou
13. Guy Conquette - Ping Pong
14. Edouard Benoit - Mauve Chauffe
15. Rico Et Pi Yo - Pas Coler La
16. Tabou N.2 - Experience