Wache from Kouté Jazz by Francisco

Born 1932 in Saint-Pierre, Frantz Charles-Denis has had multiple nicknames: Apito, Babalu, Papito, and Francisco, which he uses here. Likewise, he has distinguished himself in a variety of ways: as a singer, guitarist, pianist, percussionist, and even as an actor and the director of a key nightclub in Martinique, La Plantation. In this premium nightspot that has welcomed all the celebrities who have come through, you can hear how his style has formed: a jazz beguine marked by Latino music. He marries traditional bélé instruments with Puerto Rican rhythms, which he enhances with sophisticated harmonies. “Waché” is typical of this style, which also evokes the great pianist Marius Cultier, who was his friend.

Tracklist