Search - Tabou Combo Super Stars :: 360 Degrees

The defining innovators of modern compas, Tabou Combo has been the top Haitian pop group for almost 30 years. On this album, the band's sound is often very close to salsa--not surprising, considering Haiti's position in the heart of the Caribbean--with a propelling rhythm section, tight horn charts, and keyboards adding a modern flavor. The Combo has kept its position, though, by being supremely flexible; and ranges confidently through soca, straight-ahead R&B, and even, on "Konpahouse," a blend of compas, club beats, and rap. Based in Brooklyn since the 1970s, the vocalists switch easily between English and French Creole. In whatever language, they have the sweet, strongly African lilt that is the hallmark of Haitian singing, and have produced one of the most varied and appealing albums on the contemporary Caribbean scene. --Elijah Wald