New York, NY — In a vibrant and soul-stirring tribute to Haiti’s most celebrated musical export, Compas Direct, Haitian musician and social worker Clinton Benoit brought together an extraordinary ensemble of veteran funk and jazz musicians for a one-night-only performance at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club in Manhattan. The evening marked the 70th anniversary of Compas Direct, the genre pioneered by Nemours Jean-Baptiste in 1955 that has since become the heartbeat of modern Haitian music.
The Blue Note, known for hosting some of the world’s greatest musical collaborations, transformed into a cross-cultural soundscape where the intricate rhythms of Compas danced seamlessly with the improvisational brilliance of American funk and jazz. Benoit, a longtime ambassador of Haitian music, curated the event with the vision of honoring tradition while bridging generations and genres.
“This music is part of our identity,” Benoit told the audience during a brief interlude. “Seventy years of Compas is not just a celebration for Haiti, it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and unity that speaks to the entire world.”
The performance featured an all-star lineup of musicians whose résumés read like a living encyclopedia of American groove. Funk bass legend and session veteran John Bosi, jazz saxophonist Michael Johnson, and keyboardist Iven Mitchell joined Benoit on stage, each infusing the Haitian rhythms with their distinctive styles. The interplay between Benoit’s percussive precision and the syncopated funk bass lines created a groove that had the packed room swaying from start to finish.
Classic Compas hits were reimagined with bold brass arrangements and extended improvisations, breathing new life into beloved compositions. The set list moved effortlessly from the infectious swing of Nemours classics to Benoit’s own “Funky Konpa” interpretations, a modern fusion that has earned him acclaim in both Haitian and international music circles.
Audience members, ranging from Haitian expatriates to New York jazz aficionados, were treated not only to a musical performance but also to a living history lesson. Between songs, Benoit shared anecdotes about the evolution of Compas, its influence on Caribbean and African music, and its enduring role in Haitian cultural identity.
The night ended with a rousing, all-hands-on-deck finale that had the musicians and audience singing in unison, a testament to the unifying power of music. As the final notes echoed through the historic club, it was clear that the celebration had achieved more than nostalgia; it had created a renewed sense of pride and possibility for the future of Compas Direct.
With this performance, Clinton Benoit has once again positioned himself not only as a skilled musician but also as a cultural bridge-builder, ensuring that the legacy of Compas Direct continues to inspire new generations while resonating with audiences far beyond Haiti’s shores.
