Aibobo

In something of the same vein as a Rara Machine or Boukman Eksperyans, RAM is a group combining contemporary dance sounds with more traditional Haitian music. Specifically, the songs heard on Aibobo are fresh compositions, but make use of old Voudoun chants for the various Creole choruses heard within. The fusion is done quite well here, with the ritual drums meshing well with the various electronic instrumentation. At the same time, lead singer/writer Richard Morse uses a particularly flat delivery, barely able to change notes to meet the music. The compositions and grooves are certainly worth hearing, but other contemporary Haitian groups may provide a better starting point for first-time explorers into the genre.