Jacques Schwarz-Bart expands his vibrant blend of Caribbean musical traditions and modern jazz with 2020's ebullient Soné Ka-La 2: Odyssey. A follow-up to 2007's equally cross-pollinated Soné Ka-La, Odyssey finds the saxophonist further refining his genre-bending sound that brings together the kinetic gwo ka percussion traditions from his native Guadeloupe with harmonically nuanced jazz. The son of Black Guadeloupean novelist Simone Schwarz-Bart and French Jewish author André Schwarz-Bart, he grew up in a culturally diverse atmosphere and received his first musical lessons at age six from gwo ka percussionist Anzala. Schwarz-Bart brought this broad-minded approach to his early work as a founding member of the late Roy Hargrove's hip-hop jazz ensemble RH Factor, an experience that resonates throughout his work on Soné Ka-La 2. While Schwarz-Bart trades hip-hop for a more global jazz and R&B vibe, Soné Ka-La 2 still vibrates with a luminous, groove-oriented style that one could imagine appealing to Hargrove's soulful, bop-informed sensibilities. These are lyrical and rhythmically infectious songs that evoke the globally-minded '70s fusion of artists like Airto and Weather Report, but with a contemporary edge. Helping to bring these grooves to life is Schwarz-Bart's ensemble, featuring pianist Grégory Privat, bassist Reggie Washington, drummer Arnaud Dolmen, and gwo ka percussionist Sonny Troupé. Also lending richness is singer Malika Tirolien, whose sparkling, highly resonant voice is showcased throughout, and often in wordless tandem with Schwarz-Bart's rounded saxophone lines. As with the original album, Soné Ka-La 2: Odyssey is a stylishly hypnotic experience balancing earthy jazz roots with a sleek club atmosphere. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi

1		Pa Gadé
2		Mendé
3		Konk a Lambi
4		Ron Jack
5		Love Will Win
6		Zero Gravity
7		Ami Bongo
8		First Light
9		New Padjanbel
10		Tandé

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