Jean-Philippe Marthély – 1985

1985 was probably one of the most prolific years for Kassav’. Alongside the “real” band’s first albums, a number of other artists released albums under their own names, with titles that still stand out today. Such is the case with Pipo, Jean-Philippe Marthély, unfortunately released with rather non-existent musician credits. Well, there’s not much doubt that the whole family is there: just listen to the sound and arrangements. And then there’s the track that for me – and I’m certainly not the only one – is one of my all-time Kassav’ favorites, that magical Rété with its little keyboard accompaniment gimmick that everyone knows – as much as the dazzling brass loop that follows, by the way. Rété inevitably gets bodies swaying in concert, where it’s regularly covered. To be fair, most of the other tracks are also well worth a listen, such as the pretty Pa.Za.Pa sung by Patrick Saint-Eloi, the pulsating Bel Kreati or Wé Lé and Jacob’s rocking guitar riffs.