Jazz Combo

The product of over two years of research, ‘Haiti Direct’ is the first compilation to bring together rarities from the heyday of Haiti’s compas and twoubadou scenes during 1960-1978. Compiled by Sofrito’s Hugo Mendez, the album features tracks by Ibo Combo, Les Loups Noirs, Ti Paris and more.

Almost two years have passed since fans of Paris Combo were stunned to learn of the sudden death of the group's singer/songwriter Belle du Berry, who died on August 11, 2020, aged just 54, following a brief battle with cancer. Her passing was a tragic loss for all those touched by her charismatic presence as a performer and songwriter during a career spanning 30 years and over a hundred songs…

It took about five years for Ace to get from the fourth volume to the fifth one in its Return of Mod Jazz series, but this 2005 compilation upholds the high standards set by its predecessors. The two-dozen tracks represent '60s jazz at its most accessible and dance-oriented, often (though not always) emphasizing groovy organ parts and swinging piano, and mixing instrumentals with some vocal numbers. It's not the kind of stuff they'll teach in jazz history courses, but as for fun modern jazz with a liberal does of blues, soul, and pop influences, it's hard to beat.