Ensemble Tropicana – Amor En Cha Cha Cha

( Martinique , 1967 , Disques Antibo )

posted on 14 / 12 / 2025

For today, I wanted to share with you “Amor En Cha Cha Cha“, a storming Caribbean Cha Cha Cha Latin Guaguanco Soul track, taken from the first LP of the band “Ensemble Tropicana“, that begun as the live band of Michel Colas’ club “La Cocoteraie” in Martinique (French West Indies), formed in 1964 by the mythical Haitian composer & musician Felix Guignard.

Shortly after, the band moved to Guadeloupe (French West Indies) to play at Georges Brival’s club “La Bananeraie” under the name “Ensemble Tropicana de La Martinique”.

Recorded a few years later in 1967, this LP includes legendary musician from the French West Indies, such as Michel Desgrottes (arrangements) and Gary French & Joseph “Jo” Lavaud on the vocals.

Splendid LP from start to finish, a great example of the musical blend of musical genres in the Antilles during this era, especially the strong Cuban/Latin influences – Enjoy !

Ensemble Tropicana – Amor En Cha Cha Cha (Martinique, 1967, Disques Antibo)

 

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/8SrVKs2wlnU

Check also my Soundcloud for exclusive mixes & selections : https://soundcloud.com/armand_de_preseau

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Sunday, see you next week for another musical rediscovery !

Armand de Preseau

Max Cilla – Balade Dans La Foret D'Ajoupa Bouillon

( Martinique , 1981 , Apia )

posted on 06 / 03 / 2024

Following this former article, I wanted to share with you for today “Balade Dans La Foret D’Ajoupa Bouillon“, an incredible bewitching Soul Jazz Folk track with deep percussions from Martinique (French West Indies), taken from the first LP from the legendary flutist & poet Max Cilla recorded in 1981 on the French label “Apia“.

Backing Max Cilla, this album features many mythical musicians :

– Christian Bartouche : Bass ;

– Marie-Jo Prajet : Congas, Percussion [Ti Bois] ;

– Claude Vamur : Drums ;

– Sully Cally : Percussion [Tambour Bel Air] ;

– Michel Cilla ; Percussion [Tambour Di Bass] ;

– Patrick Theodose : Percussion [Tambour Ka] ;

– Eric Fleriag : Percussion [Ti Bois] ;

– Georges-Edouard Nouel : Piano ;

Cherry on the cake : the cover is designed by another great Martinican legend : the musician & poet Joby Bernabe – Enjoy !

Max Cilla – Balade Dans La Foret D’Ajoupa Bouillon (Martinique, 1981, Apia)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/LiD5PTajzi8

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Sunday, see you on next Wednesday for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

African Grooves

A Time & Space Journey in the African & West Indies Countries