"Living outside of your own country, you feel like you have let your people down," says Emeline Michel, the acknowledged queen of Haitian song. Still celebrating the success of her current release, Rasin Kreyol (2004; Times Square Records), this latest project renders the internationally-acclaimed performer a griot, deftly drawing upon the roots and history of Haiti—the world’s first Black republic, to tell a few of its many stories. The compelling rhythms of the manman tanbou, boula, and katabou—Haitian drums—provide the foundation for Michel’s original lyrics, which are rife with authentic proverbs, social commentary and musings from her youth. Add this CD to your summer playlist, and collection.