What You Should Know About Haitian Music and the Evolution of Compas Direct

About the Book

The book is very informative and focuses on the three phases of evolution of Compas Direct-Haiti's most popular music. Compas, created by the legendary Nemours Jean-Baptiste, has over some fifty years overcome the influences of other cultures especially musical styles such as Merengue, Salsa, Reggae, Pop etc. to retain its basic foundations. Evidently enough the 70s, the 80s and the 90s to the present time represent the most salient features throughout the history of the evolution of the music.

In fact, you will learn about Cadence Rampa-another musical style invented by Webbert Sicot, one of the greatest Haitian saxophonists, who pioneered solos using the saxophone in Haitian music. Yet Nemours Jean-Baptiste, creator of Compas Direct and Webbert Sicot, inventor of Cadence Rampa, remain the two seminal figures in the history of the evolution of Haitian music. In addition, you will become aware of Wyclef Jean's MVP Compas, the Haitian-born R and B star whose latest mission is to crossover Compas internationally using Creole and English lyrics mixed with Reggae and Compas beats, What a great move?

Lastly, learn not only about the musicians-Haitians and non-Haitians- managers, impresarios, media personalities but also you the fans who, by your unconditional support, have contributed to the evolution of this beautiful musical style.

About the Author

Jean Lesly Vallon was born on December 1957 in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. He completed his elementary and secondary education in Haiti at age 13 and 20 respectively. He also spent two years at the University studying Human Psychology. He immigrated to the United States in 1980 and settled in New York City where he has pursued a career in Education. He has attained the Master of Sciences degree in both Special Education and School Administration. A natural teacher, he has had success working in the New York City public school system. Having taught at both the middle school and high school levels, Jean has had his greatest success as a teacher at his current assignment at Austin H. McCormick-Island Academy, the school for adolescent male detainees at New York City’s Rikers Island Correctional Facility. Prior to teaching at Island Academy, he had taught at IS 320 (Jackie Robinson), Sarah J. Hale, and Two Bridges

His experience and background in education has been in preparation to do greatest service to his country. He intends to achieve his highest aspirations which are to establish the Library Vallon /Bibliotheque Vallon (where a section will be reserved for all accomplishments of Haitian musicians will be as a rich repertory), and his ultimate goal which is to found a school-MEGA (Mission of education for the future generation/Mission d’Education pour les Generations de l’Avenir) to serve the youth of Haiti.

Some of his service and accomplishments include:

-Vice President of Public Relations for the Alliance des Emigres Haitiens Inc. N.Y.  

-Editor, Co-host of the “Voix de 1’Alliance,” a radio program on 91.5 FM WNYE

in New York City, on 94.7 SCA Radio

Panou, a Haitian sub-carrier.

—Recording Secretary for “La Respectable Loge 1’Alpha et 1’Omega, Soleil # 1 in

Brooklyn, N.Y.