Jocelyne Beroard was a lead singer for
Kassav' for many years and made two albums with their expert backing.
Madousinay is her third solo outing and shows her maturation into one of the best Antillean singers bar none. The backup consists of some
Kassav' personnel plus other African and Antillean pros. This album has different moods and pulses that reflect her multifaceted vocal ability. Before joining
Kassav', she sang jazz in a Parisian club. The swinging, swaying "We Yo" contrasts her crystalline voice with
Jacob Desvarieux's raspy throat. This is all accompanied by fine slide guitar work. "An Limie" is a limpid zouk love with a melodic line that's addictive. "Chez Vole" pushes the light meters up with its Antillean anthem-like power. The horns sear and the monster bass thumps around the hips and feet. "Mizik Tje-Mwen" is another pumping track that slaps the bass meters well into the red. Interspersed with these are tracks that are languidly Antillean and melodically beautiful. The chanteuse is a jewel and this album shows it. Highly recommended.