It is finally here: the project started at the tail end of 2019 has finally become reality with the release of a retrospective of Midonet’s career highlights on double vinyl and in full audiophile glory.
After tracking down Gratien in Noumea, New Caledonia, we spent the best part of 2020 exchanging long emails as I was enquiring about his mysterious life and career. There was surprisingly very little information to be found anywhere on the Martinique born artist before, despite being such an impressive and singular talent, and so it was an honour to be trusted and given the keys to present Midonet to a whole new generation.
Think Creole poetry, tropical folk, cosmic soul, animism beliefs and you’ll be on the right path to understand the universe of one of Martinique’s brightest exports.
Out now on the ever reliable Time Capsule label, you can read nice reviews from Vinyl Factory here, Ban Ban Ton Ton here, and Le Bananier Bleu (excellent article, in French).
Stream the full track list and get hold of a copy here.
The extraordinary depth of his music, lyrics and arrangements keeps on giving with repeated listens – it has this timeless quality that can be applied to only a few select masters. For those curious to know more, find a rather more in-depth little essay in the liner notes below:
Gratien Midonet – A Cosmic Poet From Martinique 1979-1989 liner notes
Last but not least, we’ve been discussing the possibility of Gratien reforming a band and performing live in Europe and the Caribbeans next year. This would be a dream come true – stay tuned!