There were only three American records in my household as a child: The Beatles Abbey Road, Johnny Cash Live at Folsom Prison, and Bruce Springsteen Born In The USA. Everything else was Haitian music, Kompa Music, in Kreol. It had a profound impact on my musical life, not to mention shaped most of my earliest memories. One of these memories is my Fathers' deep attachment to what, in a way, could be called "the peoples' national anthem of Haiti" - Ayiti Cherie.
The tragic earthquake in January 2010 has forced me to face the reality that I'll never get to see some of the landmarks, neighborhoods, or people that made up my parents childhood and early adult life. It renders me heartbroken as I fully process the horrific conditions the already forsaken people of Haiti are facing amidst this terrible human tragedy. But it also has me determined to be a part of Haiti's future. Combined with efforts for a benefit concert, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of my new song Ayiti Cherie Memories will benefit the relief and rebuilding efforts now taking place in Haiti trough Unicef.
The song is a quick glimpse into my childhood, the first time that I recognized passion, regret, history, and heritage in my family's eyes - all through the magic of a spinning piece of vinyl.
Those words, "Haiti, my beloved land, there is no other like you, I had to leave you to understand” now bare even greater meaning. I thank you in advance for doing anything you can to help the loving people of Haiti.....
Mercy, Mesi, Thanks...
Eric
"Ayiti Cherie Memories" Now Available on LALA.Com by clicking HERE.
(Also available on itunes, amazon, napster, rhapsody and more begining 2.15.10)
Special Thanks to Danny T. Levin for playing trumpet and trombone on the track. Recorded and mixed at Crown City Recording, Pasadena CA.
