Musical Connections- Dutch Speaking Caribbean

  Playlist For Dutch Speaking Caribbean Artist

Central Artist: Roël Calister (1979)

Description: This playlist is dedicated to the artist Roël Calister, his connections, and his musical influences. Roël Calister is a talented percussionist from Curaçao, known for creating his own genre of music called Tambutronic which blends traditional Tambú rhythms with contemporary music styles like electronic dance music (EDM) and dubstep. He excels in playing percussion instruments such as congas, timbales, and various drums, which are central to the folkloric music of the Curaçao, particularly in genres like tumba and tambú. Calister is the founder and leader of the band Kuenta i Tambú (KiT). His work has contributed to preserving and modernizing the cultural music of Curaçao, making it more accessible to younger generations and audiences around the world. In 2005, Roël founded drumdrumdrum.nl, specializing in developing rhythmic concepts and educational programs for schools and theaters.

Playlist

Our first track is "Santa Electra" by Roel Calister's band, Kuenta i Tambú. It features Elia Isenia, who is regarded as the first Tambú Queen. This collaboration was significant as it demonstrated that Tambutronic received approval from the Queen herself as a genre. Like their other works, this song masterfully blends genres by merging traditional tambú sounds with modern electronic dance music (EDM). This fusion juxtaposes the raw, percussive energy of traditional music with the polished, bass-heavy beats of EDM, creating a vibrant sound that connects cultural history with contemporary global club scenes. The vocals further enhance this blend, incorporating both traditional call-and-response patterns and modern rhythmic delivery, making the track a dynamic, genre-defying experience.

Our next track is "Borboleta" by the band Electrococo. Electrococo has a concept similar to Calister, as their music blends classic Latin genres with electronic sounds. In this particular performance, Calister serves as the main percussionist. "Borboleta" combines traditional Latin rhythms, such as cumbia, with electronic beats, driven by energetic, syncopated drums. The percussion fuses organic, hand-played drums with electronic layers, creating a rich, textured rhythm that anchors the track. This combination of acoustic and digital drumming gives the song a dynamic, danceable pulse, while melodic instruments and rhythmic vocals contribute to its festive, tropical energy.

Moving on, our next piece is a tribute performance of "Dugudugu sin sous" by Rudolph Th. Palm. Our lead vocalist is Izaline Calister, who happens to be the sister of Roël Calister—talent certainly runs in the family! Rudolph Palm was a Curaçaoan composer and the grandson of Jan Gerard Palm who was known as "the father of Curaçao's classical music." In this performance, Roël Calister also serves as the percussionist, alongside Pernell Saturnino, who will be discussed next in our playlist. The instrumental arrangement beautifully complements Calister's powerful vocals. Acoustic and electric guitars provide rich harmonies and rhythmic strumming, enhancing the upbeat feel of the song. Traditional percussion instruments, such as congas and timbales, drive the energetic rhythm, while brass instruments add brightness and celebratory accents. Keyboard elements introduce modern textures, and a prominent bassline anchors the arrangement, creating a dynamic interplay that highlights Calister's voice and the song's vibrant energy.

Our next track isn't precisely a song; rather, it's an improvisation based on a Cuban melody by Pernell Saturnino. Saturnino is a Grammy Award-winning percussionist from Curaçao and the founder of the Percussion Creed School which just so happens to be where Roël Calister was taught and trained, making Calister a student of Saturnino In this performance, Saturnino showcases his exceptional skill and deep connection to Afro-Cuban rhythms. He navigates traditional styles like son, rumba, and bolero, utilizing intricate patterns and syncopation through techniques such as open tones, slaps, and muted notes. The dynamic range of the congas—ranging from soft subtleties to powerful strikes—highlights his rhythmic prowess.

This next track, along with the one that follows, will highlight the singular genres that make up the Tambutronic genre. The performance features traditional tambú, which holds great cultural significance in ABC Island's heritage. Tambú refers to the drum, dance, and music associated with this vibrant tradition. Tambú music is characterized by lively call-and-response singing, where the lead vocalist interacts with the audience, encouraging them to join in. The rhythmic backdrop is enriched by the energetic clapping of hands and the stomping of feet from both participants and spectators, creating an engaging atmosphere. The instruments used in tambú music are handmade. They include the agan—a instrument made from a plow blade that is rhythmically struck with a metal bar—and the wiri, which consists of a metal pipe that has been grooved and sawed in half, and is scraped with a metal rod or butter knife. Of course, the tambú drum is also a central part of this musical tradition.

Our final track is quite distinct from the previous songs in our playlist, as it highlights the EDM/dubstep aspect of the Tambutronic genre. The song is titled "I Can't Stop" by Flux Pavilion. Flux Pavilion, whose real name is Joshua Steele, is a British electronic musician and DJ with no direct connection to Calister, other than their similar music style. When you listen to this track, you'll notice how closely it resembles the electronic sound found in Santa Electra. The song features heavy, wobbly bass lines and punchy kicks, which are characteristic of dubstep. Catchy synth melodies intertwine with sharp snare hits, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Additionally, the repetitive, slightly distorted vocal sample contributes to the track's addictive quality, enhancing its appeal for the dancefloor.

Bibliography

1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao. (2018, August 2). 589. percussionist Roël Calister. 1000 Awesome Things About Curaçao. https://1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao.com/2014/04/01/589-percussionist-roel-calisters-ingenious-straddle-of-europe-and-the-caribbean/

Electro côco discography | Discogs. (n.d.). https://www.discogs.com/artist/278933-Electro-C%C3%B4co

LeGrand, C.G. C. (2019). Tour de Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9789769624900

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024a, April 11). Rudolph Palm. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolph_Palm

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024b, August 31). Flux pavilion. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flux_Pavilion

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024c, August 31). Izaline Calister. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izaline_Calister

Musical Connections- French Speaking Caribbean

 Playlist For French Speaking Caribbean Artist

Central Artist: Julio Racine (1945-2020)

Description:  This playlist is dedicated to the artist Julio Racine, focusing on his influences and artists with similar styles. Julio Racine, a conductor and composer, was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He is renowned for his contributions to Haitian classical and folkloric music, blending traditional Haitian rhythms and melodies with classical music forms. Additionally, he is a skilled flutist and has worked diligently to preserve and promote Haiti’s musical heritage through his compositions and performances. Julio Racine received his musical education at the National Conservatory of Haiti and the University of Louisville School of Music. He later served as the director and conductor of the Holy Trinity Philharmonic Orchestra from 1963 to 2008. This orchestra is affiliated with the École de Musique Saint Trinité, Haiti's leading music school, which was unfortunately destroyed in 2010 by an earthquake.

Playlist

Our first track is third movement of Julio Racine's "Voodoo Jazz Sonata for Flute and Piano," titled "Avec Allure," was published in 2004. In this sonata, the flute delivers expressive melodies, transitioning between smooth and jazzy phrases, while the piano provides rhythmic support and rich harmonies. Racine combines traditional Vodou beats with syncopated jazz rhythms, resulting in a lively and energetic atmosphere. The music is characterized by its vitality and grace, which align with its title, meaning "With Style." It showcases a unique blend of cultural and musical influences.

Our next track is "And the Glory of the Lord (Messiah, HWV 56)" performed by the Holy Trinity Philharmonic Orchestra along with the Les Petit Chanteurs (the little singers) during a Christmas event. This track was added to the playlist because Racine was once a conductor for this orchestra, though he isn't the conductor for this particular performance. "And the Glory of the Lord" from Handel’s Messiah is an energetic chorus filled with rich harmonies. It features bold, ascending melodies and rhythms that convey a sense of majesty. The choir sings in a straightforward style, highlighting the text about divine glory with dynamic contrasts.

Our third track is the Les Petit Chateurs from the École de Musique Saint Trinité performing 'Mesi Bon Dye' (Thank You, Good God) . I chose this track because the music school is closely associated with the Holy Trinity Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, this particular song holds significance in Haitian culture and is often performed at religious gatherings and celebrations. The choir comprises children aged between 8-15, and their impressive performance highlights why École de Musique Saint Trinité is considered Haiti's top music school.

The fourth track on our playlist is "Offrandes Vodouesques" by Werner Jaegerhuber, a classical piece inspired by Haitian Vodou rituals. It features lively, syncopated rhythms that mimic ceremonial drumming, creating a spiritual and rhythmic energy. The melodies are drawn from Haitian folk music, using traditional scales and chants, while the harmonies blend Western classical and Haitian styles. Jaegerhuber's style is very similar to Racine's, as they both took inspiration from the same sources and . The wonderful singer is Changal Levine and the piano is being played by David Bontemps.

Our fifth track is called "Legba Nan Baye" by Paul Austerlitz. Paul Austerlitz is an ethnomusicologist who has written several books on understanding, celebrating, and preserving music from different cultures. One of his books, "Jazz Consciousness: Music, Race, and Humanity," mentions Racine as an inspiration to him. The song draws heavily on Haitian rhythmic patterns associated with Vodou rites, especially those connected to Legba, the loa (spirit) who serves as the gatekeeper between the spiritual and earthly realms. Austerlitz’s bass clarinet leads with improvisational flair, while traditional drums and percussion deepen the spiritual connection. The music evokes a ceremonial atmosphere, gradually intensifying as it captures the ritualistic and improvisational elements of both Vodou and jazz traditions.

Our final track is "Papa Legba" by M. Nerval. This song is a traditional vodou song that also references the deity Legba. I included this song because I wanted everyone to experience the sounds of classic vodou and Haitian music that inspired Racine. The song prominently features the tanbou drums, which provide the rhythmic backbone of the piece. Accompanying these are rattle instruments like the asson (Haitian Rattle) and possibly cymbals, creating a complex rhythm that evokes the spirit of Vodou rituals. The song also features call-and-response vocals.

Bibliography

Julio Racine. Crossing Borders Music. (n.d.). https://crossingbordersmusic.org/explore-the-music/haiti/julio-racine/#:~:text=Julio%20Racine%20is%20a%20flutist,of%20Louisville%20School%20of%20Music

LeGrand, C.G. C. (2019). Tour de Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9789769624900.

Paul Austerlitz ~ about Paul Austerlitz. (n.d.). https://www.paulausterlitz.org/About.shtml

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024a, April 27). Werner Jaegerhuber. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werner_Jaegerhuber

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024b, September 7). Papa Legba. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papa_Legba

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024c, October 5). Haitian Vodou. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Vodou