Biguine Wabap – Al Lirvat, 1977

In his work to modernise the beguine, Guadeloupean trombonist Al Lirvat had launched his wabap beguine concept. A more energetic, jazzier beguine – if that were possible, because it is from the start! With his trio, formed with guitarist Arthur Jim and José Benjamin on percussion, he released this album in 1977 to introduce the idea. A few compositions prepared for the occasion (Wabacha, Biguine Wabap, B.W.B.) and covers of standards rearranged for the occasion. Don’t miss Ti Commission La or the medley that closes the album and includes Moin Descendre St-Pierre. Michel Paquit, Alain Benjamin, and Jean-Pierre Ismael round out the quartet. Unfortunately, the cover does not really do justice to the musical quality of the album…