Handling the musical syncretism that characterized the 1970s, Alan Cavé first had his first buzzing intuitions in his place of extraction. In New York, which is the cultural melting pot of all imaginable sounds. With all the ramifications involved. Before being introduced as a child in his homeland, Haiti. So, in the grip of so many musicological experiments. So, at the crossroads of so many parameters, both native and non-native; which will constitute the genesis of a new wave of canvas. Started in the surrounding arena by the group “Zèklè” whose talented leader and versatile musician Joël Widmaïer will be his inspiration. Especially at the vocal level, with a feline orientation stamp which will greatly influence it.
As soon as he settled in parental land, Alan had the advantage of evolving in a didactic atmosphere, imbued with music and prosody. Especially in a framework where his father holds the fame of poet of the medium. This gives him the opportunity to meet artists and musicians established in the country. Which adopt him and allow him to learn that will enhance his vocal strength. As well as his initiation to the guitar; enabling him to better cultivate his musical sense. The second part of the 1980s spotted him in New York completing his studies at Jamaïca High. While maintaining his artistic skills around a small group of aspiring artists composed of his older brother Sito Jr., Wuydens, Zshéa among others.
This is the time marked by so many new wave trends; transforming the surrounding environment into a real loft of exploration. With each, prospecting for its own resonance. One of which is crafted by a young instigator named Alex Abellard in his own makeshift studio in Brooklyn. It is there that Alan will be introduced to him as well as his older brother Sito Jr, by Wuydens Joseph who for his part will impose himself at the head of the group “Papash”. Anyway for Alan, the first signs are not encouraging in his new camp. Not having achieved unanimity within the group who thinks that his funny voice will not be tolerated by the Haitian audience. Not so fast! Maestro Alex told them who thinks the contrary; that he has the tone that can upset conventional vocal orientations.
This is how the young vocalist ended up convincing everyone. Until appropriating the first tube of the introductory work of the group “Zin”, “Fèm vole” , previously sung by its composer, the guitarist and singer Eddy Saint-Vil. A phenomenal success carried by an unusual throat which has completely conquered the hearts of aficionados of the new musical generation. A convincing start for this artist of the entrails who ended up issuing his Creole falsetto in an environment that was a little hostile to it. In the process, “Zin” has also established itself as a flagship group of its lineage. Gratifying opuses in single file, with the stamp of Cavé in orchestral holder, illuminating the pieces:fèm vole, konpa Zin, nou tout ansanm, pa dekouraje, vini, opa, tou kale, men paw, tou piti, chalatan, manyen w, pataje, macho siwo, or se, zonbi, kat la bat, palew, etc.
On this momentum, he will bring his very personal brand of star in its own right, in his first album, Alan + Zin: ” Lage m ” , containing the titles : pou ou, kwele kwekwe, ma rose, nan nannan, rablabla , sa, move van, lap tann mwen . Assigning himself at the same time the status of symbolic sex and jovial musician; which will assure him a fair hearing. Who will support him and the group “Zin”, even during the bottom of the wave. And jointly, he will become accustomed to a double career with “Zin”, through the records: “Yo pou Zin”, Sa Zin gen la a? “,” Kanpe sou yon bit “,” ‘3 lèt sèlman’ ‘,’ ‘Pi Rèd’ ‘ ; always by delivering the tubes such as:yo pou Zin, konesans, w ale, konpa nou, kanpe, toi, mennem ale, banm tikal, kouraj, woule ou, bad boy, vakans, i don’t know (sa Zin gen la a?), kanpe sou yon bit , ti randevou, souke dada w, chofe, all i want, 3 lèt sèlman, chokola, pa okipe l, (in duo), di papi wi, boubout, gansta etc. which encapsulates him as the fetish voice of the group, as well as that of an ancestry which is well acquired to him.
While alone, he delivers the opus: ” Se pa pou dat ” , equipped with mega-hits : 365 jou, please baby, je t’aimerai toujours, ban mwen lanmou, manman mia, menm jan, m ‘tonbe, selebre who propels him to the rank of star of the West Indian music hall. And will expose it to a wider audience than that of the group. As well as : ” Collabo ” endowed with : yèreswa, I need you, fanm dous mwen, vye frè, falling, lapèsonn, hidden beauty, ban mwen lanmouamong others. A host of choruses alternating the allure of stiff cadence with rhythmic ballads which will perpetuate its timbre at the whisper of dawn, in the minds of a multitude. While contributing to so many other achievements with: Malavoi, Mario de Volcy, Haiti Twoubadou, Mini All Stars among others. In addition to having influenced a line of followers such: Daan Junior his vocal double, Krys Pierre, Kenny Desmangles, Richard Cavé etc. While showing his facets of composer and producer which will allow him to better manage his future as a musician.
As well as other plural dimensions which shattered his image of slack and unrepentant baladin. Particularly as the ideal partner of the “Zin” football team in which I took part in the mid-1990s. Projecting his valiant side, when English-speaking neighbors: Jamaicans, Trinidadians, Guyanese and others wanted to intimidate us for us. get out of the field we were playing on. What put him in a state of combat and, ready to give kicks in the ass of these freaks. Which had to retreat; realizing they were dealing with tough guys. I also remember her deep pain when her mother died; showing his facade of prodigious sons. There’s also his stingy fame. The one who takes the cost of a few devastating skirmishes to enforce the terms of a contract down to the last pennies. What we can not hold against him; knowing how much he wants to honor his duty as a father and his responsibilities as a financial provider.
This prompted him at the start of this millennium to show signs of independence from “Zin”. Which the vagaries of competition and more than a dominant decade had made many wrinkles. In addition, his status as a married man demanded more emoluments. While his other partners Alex and Eddy, equipped with their high professional level, could live without music. Which led him to ask for a truce, to embark on a career as a soloist. This is how he has continued since, persisting in this process that fits him like a glove. Having the charisma and the talent to hang on to it. Although he remained available for annual reunion tours with the “Zin”. Proving his loyalty and his gratitude to Alex Abellard for having believed in him, and also to Eddy Saint-Vil for his support.
ALAN’S OFFICIAL BIO
Alan Cave spent most of his adolescent years in Haiti, as a teenager he toured with his father Syto Cave (Poet, Drama, Director) to the Islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, France and Canada. Alan Cave, break trough in show business came in when one of the actors who suddenly became ill and Alan was asked to step in and sing the song “La Personne”. The audience’s astonishment and cheers made the young Mr. Cave think about a singing career instead of acting, before the summer ended Alan made a name for himself.
Mid-1987, Wydens Joseph, a long time friend, convinced Alan Cave to audition for the group ZIN, which was in the process of releasing their debut album “Fe m Vole.” According to Alex Abellard, after Alan Cave auditioned, I immediately thought ” We need his voice on our side, not against us.” Alan was contracted to sing the lead for ZIN’s first album that was released 1988. Fourteen years later, ZIN is still grooving and still making hits. Live on stage. Alan Cave continues to bring a seductive and unique voice, which mesmerizes the fans. Alex Abellard’s brings deep Spicy/Reggae tone, Eddy St.Vil, guitar player, is still writing hits from the heart. The eleven band member is known as dubbed “The Hit Music Factory,” is one of the most popular Haitian Konpa music bands,
Over the past decade, Alan has won the hearts of fans with his unique voice and untouchable lyrics. The range of songs embraces a multitude of musical textures, which is always about love and/or romance, songs like ” Ou Se ” (Produced by Michael Celestin & Robert Raymond) and “All I Want” (Produced be Alex Abellard),” show Alan’s wide variety of genres. When asked what inspires him to write those lovely lyrics with meaning, he simply answers ” people and life”, and goes on to say ” I would rather like to be known as a songwriter because it takes desire, passion and hard work to write songs, it’s not just talent.”
Alan Cave has recorded several albums with ZIN in the past decade that stems from ” Fe m vole 1988 ” to “Kanpe sou yon beat 1999”. Today, he is the most sought-after special guest performer in the Konpa, French & Zouk music industry, lending his signature vocals and sounds to albums by: Malavoi 1999, Mario De Volcy 1999, N’jie 1999, Shirly 1999, Zouk Tenor 2000 . In 1997, along with leading fellow artist Sweet Micky, Alan completed an educational recording and music video “Knowledge is Power,” which is about the prevention of HIV spread. In 1999, “All I Want,” became the most talked about song in the Haitian-American Music Industry, and received an award for writing the lyrics from Unique Productions in Boston, MA. Mid-1999.
Alan Cave and long time sweetheart (Myrtho Polo) tied knot, in a private ceremony in Freeport, NY. In 2001, together they started the Alan Cave Music Educational Fund (ACMEF). Which is a non-profit organization dedicated to promote higher education. The scholarship fund is available to students attending an accredited 4-year university, applicants must major in music or music performance while achieving academic excellence. The scholarship fund will be available for the fall semester of 2002.
Spring of 2001, Alan Cave released the long awaiting solo album “Se Pa Pou Dat.” Multi-dimensional is an understatement “Se Pa Pou Dat”, which bridges cultural, generations and musical gaps, and was obviously just what people wanted to hear. The album has achieved so many accolades since its release. Alan contents that ” Every musician who participated on this record was on the same wavelength and had the same artistic energy I had “. All of the musicians and engineers understood the intentions, motives and purpose for making the CD with Alan Cave’s flavor … the CD possess haunting melody and powerful lyrics for lovers. Robert Raymond (Zin’s former bass player), concludes: ” It is great to work with someone who understands the important elements of melody and harmony”. There is no weakness and as a performer/ producer, your work shines through the artist of which you have worked with for sooooo many late night hours.” Former singer of the group King Possie is in a Sanitarium in critical condition. It was reported in radio broadcast in Haiti. The artist was transported to the hospital for treatment after contracting Tuberculosis. His condition is reported to have been caused by his continuous drug use and Alcohol drinking habit. Such artist as Mizik Mizik, KéKé Bélizaire et Fabrice Rouzier rushed to his side for support. A concert in honor of him is in the works to pay for his medical expenses. Black Alex was originally part of the group King Possie but since moved on to a solo career where he has collaborated with such artists Mizik Mizik, Sweet Micky, Jahmala and Haitian Twoubadou CD.
