This dynamic recording, originally released by Mozayik in September 2004 as "Rhythmic Reflections", re-released May 2005 as "Haitian Creole Jazz" on ZOHO MUSIC, features such traditional Haitian folkoric drum rhythms as Nago (Sa te Bel) Mayi (Pen Mayi), Ibo (Mireille), Rara (Caravan & Moving On), Kontradans (African Queen), Kongo (Limyè) and Petwo (The Journey). The beauty of Mozayik's concept lies in the way these rhythmic motifs are utilized. The compositional talents of drummer Gashford Guillaume, guitarist Eddy Bourjolly, and pianist Welmyr Jean-Pierre are on display, as the tunes are literally written to the Haitian drum patterns. Many projects seeking to fuse traditional/folkloric music with jazz seem to superimpose one structure or motif over the other, while Mozayik's approach is seamless. Jazz lovers of all kinds are excited about Mozayik's sound, a blend of ancient and modern, grounded in tradition yet boldly moving forward.

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"Haitian Creole Jazz" was listed among the Critic's Picks for 2005 releases in Jazziz Magazine, and featured on NPR station WNYC's Soundcheck program.

Reviews

excerpt from Serge Bellegarde's review from www.haitiforever.com

Click here to go to the review
... If I am praising this CD so much, it is for a good reason. The album is simply music to your ears. Eddy Bourjolly's smooth guitar, Welmyr Jean-Pierre's lyrical piano, Gene Torres's talking bass, Markus Schwartz's zestful percussion, Gashford Guillaume's skillful and sensitive drumming... provide the special blend that makes this quintet one of the best on the musical scene.

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Excerpt from The Haitian Times Art & Culture section, Dec.15-24
"The Mozayik Experience" By Katheline St Fort

To listen to Mozayik’s new album is to take a course in Haitian music. The jazz-based “Rhythmic Reflections” offers an audio tour of traditional Haitian music through the decades.. ...The CD contains 12 tracks of well-seasoned, fluid folkloric jazz- fitted to accommodate the most fickle of musical taste buds...

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The Black World Today

www.allmusic.com

One Way Magazine

Mozayik's self-titled debut recording was released in 2000 to rave reviews, appearing in numerous newspapers and music magazines such as "The Haitian Times", "Beat", "Kompa Magazine", and Haiti's "Le Nouvelliste." The group was also featured on Public Radio International's "The World" program.

Here are some excerpts of reviews of Mozayik's "Mozayik" recording:

by Serge Bellegarde,
published July 2000, www.windowsonhaiti.com
Mozayik is a gem of a CD which has just been released in New York. This evocative name - the Kreyl Mozayik translates as Mosaic - reflects indeed the orientation of the group which plays music based on Haitian folkloric beats such as: Kongo, Yanvalou, Nago, Ibo, Kontredans; it plays funk; it plays ballads, Brazilian Samba or straight ahead bebop Jazz. And all this with exquisite arrangements and particular competence.

The music is simply wonderful. ... I think this is one of the top Haitian CDs released so far this year ...You are in for an exquisite musical treat. I cannot wait for their next album.

by J. Biseau,
published 2/5/01, Kompa Magazine
Classic smooth listening music. It refreshes the mind and soul. ...It puts a smile on my face when we hear HAITIAN brothers dropping some beautiful music like this. It shows you a completely different side of Haitian musicians. ...The CD presentation is top class. ...This is a clinic in terms of how good the music is. The whole crew is extremely talented. ...Wow!!! RATING: NINE STARS

by Al Angeloro,
published October 2000, The Haitian Times
Here, all the complexities of Haitian music and jazz seem to compliment and feed off each other, with little or no loss of the roots percussive meter or "bed" upon which jazz is built.... Mozayik is a giant step. Mozayik is slick, and although more for the head than the hips, it remains almost 100 percent danceable. If you like skeins of improvisation and surprising solos, this CD is for you.

Here is a mozayik.com exclusive: a live rendition of Eddy Bourjolly's compositon entitled "Celebration", as performed at the first annual Haitian Jazz Festival which took place on October 5th, 2005 at the landmark world music venue SOB's, in NYC.

Mozayik was joined for this very special performance, by guest artists Calvin Jones (Bass), Daniel Brevil (Haitian drums) and Jean-Marie Brignol (Haitian drums). Celebration features the traditional Haitian rhythms of Yanvalou and Mayi, which are part of the Rada family of rhythms & dances, which find their roots in Dahomey, West Africa. The Manman Tanbou ("Mother" or lead drum) was played by Markus Schwartz, the "Segon" ('Second" or middle drum) was played by Daniel Brevil, and the Boula ("Baby" or smallest drum) by Jean-Marie Brignol.

We hope you enjoy this musical snapshot of a very special and historic evening; the First Annual Haitian Jazz Festival, presented by John "Papa Jube" Altino & SOBs.

There are many photos from the event in the Photo section of the website.

A collection of exclusive Mozayik.com unreleased material.
Click on "info" for each track's details.
Check back soon as we will be adding to this section!

Various excerpts from live Mozayik performances.
Click on "info" for each track's details.
Check back soon as we will be adding to this section!