Song of the Day: Max Ransay “Ti Kanno” (Sol Power All-Stars Edit)

Over at Sol Power Sound, my endeavor with Marc Meistro where we put out percussive anthems inspired by rhythms from around the globe, we’ve just dropped our seventh release on the label.

For this vinyl excursion, we focused on the sounds of the French Antilles, specifically licensing two tracks from Hibiscus Records in Martinique, and giving each one a tasteful facelift for the modern dancefloor. The two originals and two remixes form the Tambours De Martinique EP.

With its powerful combo of urgent brass and ensemble vocals, Max Ransay’s 1988 recording of the traditional Martiniquan folk song “Ti Kanno” occupies the B-side of Tambours De Martinique. “Ti Kanno” was previously recorded by Ti Émile, a foundational forebear of Martiniquan music. Full of surprises, Ransay’s version is a sonic melting pot of hand percussion, horns, unexpected synth lines, and bass. The Sol Power All-Stars edit fills out the low-end thump and teases out the groove for maximum impact.

“Tambours De Martinique” is available at fine retailers of modern and organic dancefloor sounds like Juno, Phonica and more.