Jacques Schwarz-Bart - Episode 31

"There is something uplifting even in the most quiet pieces. It wants to express finding peace and balance within yourself." Sone Ka-La 2: Odyssey is the sequel to Jacques Schwarz-Bart's album Sone Ka-La, released in 2005. Where the first album digs into the pain of the slave experience, the second celebrates triumph over struggle. Jacques says it's about finding the resolve to overcome. Raised mainly on the island of Guadalupe in the French Caribbean, Jacques says the history of slavery there was similar to the history of the US. Slavery was first abolished in 1794, but then re-instated by Napolean I between 1802 and 1848. It was a tumultuous time, when slaves that had been free for 8 years were enslaved again after a revolt and a bloody clash between free slaves and Napolean I. While that may sound dismal, the music on the album does not, celebrating the strength to rise above. Jacques integrates elements from Gwoka music, native to his island of Guadalupe, with more modern groove and instrumentation for a perfectly blended and unique style. Jacque credits his time with artists like Roy Hargrove, D'Angelo and Chucho Valdez for giving him a taste for many music styles. The combination of these different colors blends together to create a beautiful new mosaic that you can enjoy on Sone Ka-La 2: Odyssey. Resources Learn more about Jacques Schwarz-Bart on his website. You can listen to Sone Ka-La 2: Odyssey anywhere you stream music. It's also available for purchase from Amazon Music. Enjoying Bite-Size Jazz? You can support the podcast by Buying Me a Coffee! You can also leave a review, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, or follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. I’d love to connect with you!