A beautiful and increasingly scarce mid-80s Haitian compas LP, Haïti 86 captures a vibrant moment in the island’s musical history — where traditional compas rhythms met the evolving textures of the digital era.
What makes this record even more interesting is the involvement of Gérald Merceron, a central figure in Haitian jazz. Merceron played a key role in shaping modern Haitian music, bridging jazz sophistication with local rhythmic traditions. His touch — subtle, refined, deeply musical — brings an added harmonic depth to the project, elevating it beyond a straightforward dance record.
The production carries that unmistakable 1986 atmosphere: tight drum machines, warm synth layers, rolling basslines — yet the groove remains organic and deeply rooted in Haitian musical culture. There’s elegance in the arrangements, a jazz-informed sensibility woven into the compas framework.
Pressed locally in Haiti with limited circulation outside the island, copies rarely surfaced internationally. Finding one today feels like uncovering a small chapter of Port-au-Prince’s rich musical ecosystem.
A strong piece for collectors of Haitian compas, Caribbean 80s productions, and anyone interested in the intersection between jazz musicianship and island dancefloor energy.
Record is EX close to NM / Sleeve is NM
