Shleu Shleu

Recognized as the Haitian precursor to Ska-Shah #1 after its relocation to New York City, Shleu-Shleu counted among the standout groups of its time. A key element was the ensemble’s fusion of rhythmic swing with refined delicacy, yet viewed from later decades the defining trait of that pre-funk period remains the deep Creole character running through both the melodies and the striking saxophone solos, an approach no longer encountered. The Congo inflections audible in the guitars prompt a pointed query: in which direction did the influence actually travel? ~ John Storm Roberts