Santiman
On this second Real World release from The Creole Choir of Cuba, freedom songs passed down through generations of Haitian emigrants in Cuba are brought to life with vibrant harmonies, lilting melodies and rich, deep Caribbean rhythms. A hefty dose of Cuban flair creates a rich, soulful sound that evokes their proud history of resistance and resilience. The album also includes an original song written in the wake of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, where the Choir visited and undertook humanitarian efforts. The singers are all conservatory-trained musicians, but come from a shared historical background of sorrow and defiance that charges their sound with unparalleled passion. Santiman was recorded at Real World Studios in England, and produced by composer/arranger John Metcalfe (Morrissey, Blur, John Cale, Peter Gabriel).