Kassav’ — North Sea Jazz, Rotterdam, 2016

Filmed live concert by the group Kassav’ at the North Sea Jazz Festival, at Rotterdam Ahoy, the Netherlands, on 10 July 2016. Founded in 1979 in Guadeloupe, Kassav’ is the band that invented and popularized zouk, an Afro-Caribbean style that became a global phenomenon. Carried by the voices of Jean-Philippe Marthély, Jocelyne Béroard and Jean-Claude Naimro, the guitar of Jacob Desvarieux and the bass of Georges Décimus, the ensemble unleashes an irresistible rhythmic machine on stage: syncopated drum rolls, sharp horns, percussion and warm vocal harmonies. Blending carnival energy with sometimes politically engaged lyrics, the Paris-based group won over Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia across twenty albums. This live capture restores the celebration and virtuosity of a great Antillean band before the audience of a landmark festival. A full concert ideal for discovering the richness of zouk and world music live, between the heritage of Guadeloupean carnival music and Afro-Caribbean modernity. A precious document, notably as a tribute to guitarist Jacob Desvarieux, a pillar of the group who has since passed away.