Héritage – Caraïbe Jazz Ensemble, 1992

🇬🇵 🎷 🌊 🎹 🥁 In 1992, Héritage, the fourth and final album by the Caraïbe Jazz Ensemble, led by Germain Cécé, was released. Alongside Philippe and Raymond d’Huy, the combo revisited Caribbean smooth jazz, deeply rooted in Guadeloupe. Klod Kiavué contributed his mastery of the ka, as heard in the swaying, slightly nostalgic New Kaladja. José Vulbeau’s keyboards further enriched the ensemble, staying true to the West Coast jazz tradition that had flourished since the mid-1980s. Luce, a biguine written by Cécé for his mother, paved the way for Héritage, the title track composed by Dosh, blending Caribbean influences with reggae. With Philippe d’Huy, the spirit of Metheny and Mays lingered (Colette), while the Ensemble also channeled Marcus Miller’s Tutu-esque inspiration in Ray Blues, featuring Félix Saint-Cirel’s trumpet. The journey concluded in tradition, with Kiavué and Armand Achéron’s drums (Ziyam Pakala). Four years later, Cécé released a solo album, Andréa, before passing away in 1998.