Septentrional
Live in New York - SOBs & Long
Island
 | Contributors:
Hortense Fuller & Bill Farrington |
| Photos by Bill
Farrington |
| Band history
courtesy of Pierre P. Joachim |
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Africasounds had the fortune of witnessing two recent performances by one of
Haiti's legendary orchestras,
Septentrional.
One of the longer running bands from Haiti, "Septen"
performs a myriad of styles with a full horn section harking back to the
golden era of Haitian big band music. The concerts represent a
re-launching of the orchestra on the USA music scene, and this Spring's tour
included gigs at SOBs as well as a gala event in Long Island featuring a
packed house dressed to the nines. AfricaSounds was able to huddle
with the orchestra leader and various members of the band to get a more
in-depth understanding of this orchestra's history and future plans. A
new album is being recorded that will feature a new direction for the band,
emphasizing the youth that have joined its ranks. Although we got a
taste of the youthful element that night (that respectfully also holds on to
the traditional strengths of the orchestra's songbook), the new recording
session promises to offer some surprises that will push the big band into a
new direction for the decades to come. |
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Septentrional was formed in Cap Hatien on July 27, 1948, from two small
groups, the "Quatuor Septentrional" and the "Trio Symphonia". From the
original group, five decades later, seven members have grown to a big band
numbering 18 members. The first band leader was Jean Menuau who remained
the group's guitarist for many years. The year 1955 was pivotal. The
vocalist Roger Colas and pianist Louis Etienne joined the band and took it
to a completely different level.
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In 1963, Septen produced and distributed
its first album. In 1966, Septen cam to the U.S. for the first time and has
since traveled extensively throughout the Americas and Europe. The band
attracted many excellent musicians and composers in its ranks. As with any
longstanding organization, Septentrional has experienced many glorious years
as well as some trying moments. With the support of its fans, the group has
survived, having celebrated a half century in 1998. |
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Hulric Pierre-Louis is the only member of the founding seven
still with the
band. Band leader from 1950 until 1995 and Musical Director since then, he
also holds the distinguished title of Chairman of the Administrative
Committee of Septentrional. His accomplishments include the first
composition of the band, "Mambo Bossu". A prolific composer, Maetro
Hultric's contributions to the Septentrional repertoire are innumerable,
covering various rhythms including Bolero to Calypso, Meringue, Congos,
Romance-Afros, Ibo & Pachangas.
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Current Members:
Hulric Pierre-Louis (Band Leader - Saxophone)
Maestro Madsen Sylne (Lead Trumpet)
Huggens Altema (saxophone)
Rolain Valbrun (saxophone)
Evens Cesar(saxophone)
Jean Herly Metellus (vocalist)
Richardson Joseph (vocalist)
Michel Tassy (vocalist)
Yvenel etienne (volcalist)
Doreus Kesmy (keyboard)
Odanio Sainte (keyboard)
Etienne Jeune (keyboard)
Jocelyn Alce (Bass guitar)
Frandy Altema (trumpet)
Danielo Andrevil (trumpet)
Madsen Dorcelus (guitar)
Jospeh R. Emilien (guitar)
Pierre Fritzner (percussion)
Mativel Sinsmir (congas)
Anderson Pierre(sound engineer)
Fritz Bien Aime (assistant) |
Set List at
Quality Hotel, Long Island Concert
1. Loudie
2. Tribulation
3. Bonjour Marie
4. Destin
5. Manman Mwen (Bis)
6. Carmene
7. Haiti Division
8. Ti Fia
9. toi & Moi
10. Pa Juge
11. Caridad
12. Mariana
13. El Fruto
14. Nou nan roulo
15. Habitant
16. 5eme Commandement
17. Temwayaj
18. Ti Moune Yo
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Septentrional published its first recording
in 1963. Ever since, no other Haitian musical formation has reached the
level of production that the group has achieved. Septen, as it is known by
fans, has published an impressive total of 62 albums, 20 accompanying some
of the greatest Haitian artists such as Guy Durosier, Ansy Deose and Charles
Dessalines.
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The group also
accompanied some well-known international
artists like Alberto Bertan, Roberto Ledesma, Nelson Ned and Hugo Enrique
with who it also produced an album. On January 1, 1967, Septen inaugurated
its own night club, "Feu Vert", built on the ocean waterfront of
the beloved hometown of Cap-Hatien. Six years later, on January 1, 1973,
Septen Theatre was built near the Feu Vert complex. |
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Contact:
Pierre P. Joachim, Production
135-02 227th Street, Laurelton, NY 11413
Tel 718-527-7520
Cel 718-926-7429
Email:
pierrepjoa@aol.com |
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