Album Notes

Everything evolves over time. Change can have both positive and negative effects. It all depends on the individual’s point of view.

As with everything else, Dominican music has been susceptible to change. In the mid 19th century we were graced with the influence of Calypso Music. This was followed by the emergence of our endemic Cadence-lypso in the mid sixties. In the 80’s I was honored to have found myself in the middle of a cultural tug of war between the indigenous rhythms of Dominica and the HiFi Sound Systems which played the current hits of the western world. This battle was literally going on in my back yard. My brother Daryl, a cultural officer at the time, was deeply involved in the sensitization and reemergence of Dominica’s indigenous rhythms, unlike Ashton, who had a very keen interest in the reproduction of digital music which dominated the airwaves. As the last of a very musically inclined family of eleven, I was caught in the middle of these very captivating local rhythms and the intrigue of digital music.

Along with my close friend Keith Goddard (Himself from a musical family), we unknowingly began the fusion of our indigenous rhythms with the digital music. Our experimentation created what we now know as Bouyon. Bouyon Music became a major hit in Dominica, regionally and internationally. And like other genres of music, Bouyon has evolved.

As a pioneer of Bouyon music and one who loves change, I thought it was time to do something different. This album “Interpretations” has been done with the intent of placing a different spin on Dominican Music. Imagine taking compositions performed by Icons like Ophelia, Midnight Groovers and Grammacks and transforming them into an instrumental jazzy piece YET maintaining the rhythmic and melodious appeal of the Cadence-lypso. Further still, picture Bouyon compositions originally performed by WCK done at a slower tempo with a jazz flavor. One then captures the essence of this musical work titled “Interpretations”. I have endeavored to re-create local favorites into a new genre and to bring Bouyon music into the family home on a relaxing Sunday morning.

I, continue to do my part towards the development and furtherance of Dominican music. Support the art and its artists. Without your support we cannot survive in this vast musical space. I hope that you find as much enjoyment in this recording as I did in creating and producing “Interpretations”.

Enjoy!
Cornell “Fingerz” Phillip