Haiti Direct Released On October 29th on Strut

Strut presents Haiti Direct, one of the first internationally available in-depth explorations of the vibrant and varied colours of Haitis music from the early 60s to the late 70s.

Haiti Direct celebrates the overlooked musical legacy of Haiti, going beyond Ra-ra and voodoo stereotypes to trace the development of a unique sound that echoed across the Caribbean.

Compiled by Hugo Mendez, co-founder of the excellentSofrito label and sound system, Haiti Direct features classic material from the early days of groups such as Tabou Comboand Les Frres Djean as well as rarities from lesser known groups – bringing together the sound of Compas with Latin workouts, psychedelic experiments and the Cuban influenced Twoubadou singers that continued to be a key part of the fabric of Haitian musical life.

Featuring in-depth liner notes and interviews with some of the musicians and producers that shaped the sound, Haiti Direct is one of the first widely available compilations to celebrate the unique and innovative sounds of Haiti in the 60s and 70s.

Haiti Direct will be available on 2CD, 2LP and digital formats come October 29th 2013. Part of the profits will be donated to the charity Partners In Health.