Matin Bleu – Caraïbe Jazz Ensemble, 1989

Over the course of a decade, roughly the 1980s, Caraïbe Jazz Ensemble led by Germain Cécé lit up jazz made in Guadeloupe. Four records between 1983 and 1992, including Matin Bleu released in 1989. The ensemble’s formula has varied a little, but the island’s references have had their place in it at one time or another. Here we find Philippe d’Huy on guitar, and his brother Raymond on bass. The band is completed by José Vulbeau on keyboards, Fred Desplan on percussion and Eric Danquin on drums. Matin Bleu includes a number of hits such as Tipik Kôkôlô and Ou Ka Priyé, sung by Jane Fostin. After the Caraïbe Jazz Ensemble, Germain Cécé produced another album under his own name, Andréa, recorded live at the Centre des Arts in Pointe-à-Pitre in 1996, but sadly died two years later.