“Twa Fèy, Twa Rasin” New Album by TRANPE
Twa Fèy, Twa Rasin is the new album by TRANPE, the Brooklyn based group of Sheila Anozier and Rufus Cappadocia. They are joined by “Bonga” Jean Baptiste, Haitian master drummer on two tracks, O Batala / O Li Ba and Sent An O. The album is arranged, recorded, produced and and performed by cellist Cappadocia, together with Haitian-American vocalist Anozier, creating a vibrant tribute to Vodou culture.
In Haitian Creole, Tranpe (from the Creole verb to soak), is the name of a powerful drink where medicinal leaves and roots are soaked and infused in an unrefined rum, called kleren. The power of the songs is in the roots and leaves while the cello is the catalyst. This healing alchemy infuses the entire album, and the traditional Vodou songs carried by Anozier's voice are embraced by the transcendant improvisation of the cello.
Cappadocia juggles organic rhythms with virtuosity and velocity, and Anozier's vocal melodies intertwine with the voice of the bow. Her moving vocals add a visceral and spiritual dimension to the music. It invites listeners on a journey through the cultural and spiritual landscape of Haiti, enhanced by the masterful playing of the Cappadocia on cello. Acting as both a melodic and rhythmic anchor, the cello offers a lush harmonic background and complex rhythmic textures that are one with Anozier's vocals.
The cello's innovative approach expands the ensemble's sonic palette, adding depth and complexity to their sound. Cappadocia's cello, which he designed and built, is augmented with a fifth bass string and Fender-style magnetic pickups. His technique allows the cello to function as both a voice and a percussion instrument.
The album “Twa Fèy, Twa Rasin” presents, in 10 tracks taken from Haitian folklore and revisited by the arrangements of Cappadocia, life stories, like parables, whose more universal hidden meanings can be devined. As in Mèsi Bondye, where the prayer takes a swaying turn, thanking God for the gifts of nature and the rain which chase away the misery of famine. The rain falls, the corn grows. Hungry children can now eat. Or even in
Rasin Kore who, in a cheerful tune, makes the bitter observation that a loved one who is no longer interested in your cooking is no longer interested in you. Or the misadventure of Jan Kalbas, mocked by his friends and rejected by his mother, who decides that he must leave everything to survive.
TRANPE transcends boundaries, without artifice, and creates a synergy that exceeds the sum of its parts, seamlessly blending individual styles to create a truly unique musical infusion. TRANPE showcases not only Anozier and Cappadocia’s virtuosity as musicians, but also their deep respect for the cultural heritage and traditions that inspire their music.
Through their collaboration, they celebrate the power of music to transcend borders, and unite people. TRANPE invites you to a musical experience that Sheila and Rufus will enjoy sharing during their concert as part of the Moments Précieux of the Les Suds festival in Arles on July 12 and on the Douves stage of the Aux Heures d'été festival in Nantes on the July 18th
Press Contact:
Sophie Darve - Soul Lab Management
Tel: 33 622 910 393
Email: soul.lab@sfr.fr
