Emeline Michel left Haiti at 18 to study music for a year in Detroit after winning a song contest. She has since become Haiti's most productive singer/songwriter. She is one of the few female Caribbean music bandleaders. Though now living in New York she has also lived in France and Canada. Her music maintains a strong tie to the people, history and struggles of her homeland.

The songs on this album combine the complex traditional rhythms and musical styles of Haitian music with lyrics that address heritage, love, proverbs, and the struggles of Haiti. The music is interesting and done well, but the strongest part of this recording is Michel's lyrics. For those who don't speak French they are translated into English.

Key Track: "BO KOTE'W"

Reviewed by: Keith Quillen