Un Jeudi à l’Arawak – Guadeloupe Reflexions, 1980

The one and only recording by the Guadeloupe Reflexions collective, this album bears witness to the musical Thursdays at the Arawak, which in the early 80s was THE island’s palace. Located on Gosier’s Pointe de la Verdure, the Arawak was the pioneer of the forest of hotels that populate it today, and where music is always present on the Créole Beach stage. In 1980, Camille Soprann’ led the band, teaming up with pianist Eduardo Filho, with whom he alternated on the various compositions. The original, overpriced album was wisely reissued a few years ago, and even numbered, though its legitimacy remains to be seen. But then, this is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in this tasty repertoire between Brazil and the West Indies, between samba and biguine, between Latin jazz, bop and Creole jazz. With a soft spot for the fantastic Samba Arawak, the nostalgic Quand Les Oiseaux Ne Pourront Plus Chanter or the irresistible Eduardo 3/4! Guadeloupe Reflexions is completed by Alan Dorzile, Pierre Bienot and Willy… But I confess I only half believe in the exact spelling of these names!