After being in the fold lulled by the thunder of multiple musical trends of the 1970s. This had the effect of upsetting his childhood in the world of primitive groups, which Pierre Provilus animated without complex. No doubt dreaming of one day being able to party to devoted supporters. So, he quickly found himself in the “state”. Where the atmosphere that reigns in its Brooklyn neighborhoods; Fulminates with Afro-Caribbean music and culture. Since his older brother James, previously installed in NY, is already a musician and multi-instrumentalist established in the English-speaking West Indian environment. Prospecting the multiple Afro and Caribbean rhythms such as: calypso, soca, reggae, raga, rap, rock, dance halletc. with his group “Moon Light”. A climate that eventually convinced PP of the merits of show business.
Then, his HS studies to be accomplished at Erasmus in Brooklyn, tunnel of the hard to die. And James’s guidelines that compensate for his natural intuition of music, by inoculating it into those instruments: bass, guitar, drums and keyboards he has more affinity for. What went further helped the cause, when the keyboardist of the group fell ill. And in two to three movements, James revised the chords and modalities to him and, Pierre was able to be the ‘filler’ keyboardist of the ensemble for a few performances. While beginning his progression under the supervision of his brother, grappling with the intervals of the diatonic scale. Although the family mansion at 450 E. 26th, between Newkirk and Foster in Brooklyn is the refuge and rallying point for aspiring musicians. With regulars:
It is there that Pierre hastens to raise his talent, impressed by the grandiloquence of Prince, his idol, whose versatility he admires. At the next stage, the entourage feels of weight to launch the group “The 5 Brothers” which always experiments the Afro-Caribbean approaches; not in symbiosis with native sensibility. Although in the meantime PP has already put on his Creole rapping mantle, becoming one of the originals in the diaspora. His reconversion “Tipoul la” was proof of this. In any case, the “5 Brothers” continued to rush into the rancarts of inaction. Until a young immigrant freshly arrived from Haiti stormed the group, upright. His name is Jensen, and eventually convinced the gang that nothing is going to change for them if they don’t play konpa.. In addition to the zouk that has just knocked on our doors with persuasion.
BY STRIPPING THEM OF THEIR STATUS AS CO-FOUNDERS AND GOING SO FAR AS TO REFORMULATE THE NAME OF THE GROUP THAT HAS BECOME “FANTTOMS”, IT WAS THE LAST STRAW THAT SPILLED THE VASE
Hence the change towards a more homogeneous grouping. And subsequently a new name for the group which becomes “The Partners”, pioneering formation of the new generation in NY A phase which saw it prepare for its star nickname “Captain Jean”; with her outfit and majorette cap which completed her image as an artist. Finding his multidirectional path as a singer, composer, arranger, showman, as well as his keyboardist groove with Ansyto Mercier as a reference. Hence its voluble touch and its orchestral mark; embellishing a harmonic stability with an indelible flavor. While the “Partners” are busy getting off the beaten track in two impromptu works including a calypso album and “Panzou”. Initiatives that give them the right to play as a curtain raiser for the “Tabou Combo”.
Waiting for the hit that was to be the click. But Kino left with ” Sa fè mal” , on behalf of a new project with “Kajou”. However, this braking in full start had not slowed the ardor of the whole and of “Captain Jean” who strengthens his capacities according to the various dominant currents. By imposing itself, until it is solicited in other associations; including a tour of the country with the group “Kalito Koupe”, then holder of the hit “boujon boujoli”. Back to basics, to head for the next “Partners” album. At this crossroads, it is James the maestro who withdraws with his annex. And, it is Kino who has become King Kino, who has returned from his journeys of opportunity, who resurfaces; setting the tone for a new name “Phantoms”. At this turning point, Pierre Provilus asserted himself with confidence in the arena of local show biz. Within the spontaneous phenomenon that was the sudden rise of the “Zombies”, then the reflection of protests, daring rebellions and inventiveness; hyphen and summaries of the moment.
In any case, during a decade full of twists and turns and controversies, the “Phantoms” weighed in the balance. And “Captain Jean” has contributed to this domination. With his vision, his talent, his vocalizations, his rap, his compositions such as: February 14, lanmou nan kalalou, tipoul la, Kisa ki lanmou?, Mwen bezwenw mennaj, pwen sansib, Joseph, Zo, kavalye . And its flourishing brand that instilled areas of clarity and harmonic subtleties. In addition to the soloist flights which characterized the various gaits of a group that experienced the apotheosis in the first three albums: ” Louvri baryè ”, ” Pa bouje ” and the double cd ‘ ‘ Resurrection ”. A triumphal era which encroached on his activities as a college student. Having had to take a break in his studies in computer science, to tour with the group then in demand.
Moreover, the label of de facto anti with which the gang has donned, at the time when the military put Haiti on fire and blood, has polished their image and catalyzed their rise. Which was going to be to their detriment, because for some it was just a way to advertise. And the fans didn’t like it at all. What was going to create the bottom of the wave for the “Phantoms”, which did not recover. In addition to the antiques of the ” king ” who became kinomorsa who wanted to do what he wanted, with political temptations, in addition to dissensions, desertions and internal conflicts. But, when the acolytes Jensen and Kino got together with Lyonel Lamarre to administer this pig blow to the rest of the gang. By stripping them of their status as co-founders and going so far as to reformulate the name of the group which has become “Phantoms”.
In this period of instability, “Captain Jean” became pragmatic, finding his way back to university to complete his studies. In addition, he is a devoted family man who holds his responsibilities. Someone with whom I have always shared the Hotel room during the group tours, with which I am associated. Thus the music having become secondary, since its influence had greatly diminished within the group, whose original parameters are abandoned. Because its adaptive sound was no longer appropriate, replaced by that of JM Valcourt. But, since the music is in the skin, he was content to be part of an ensemble that he greatly contributed to the elevation. Although at this intersection, his role as father of a family amply satisfies him. Dressing his slippers in “cake daddy” and using his multiple gifts of decorator, maker and touch of everything. Able to fit out his own basement professionally. And make a beautiful botanical garden bloom in its courtyard.
Yet the second decade of this millennium has not been kind to our friend who lost his wife to cancer. Leaving him with two children to raise. Difficult task, but achievable for Pierre Provilus who put all his dedication in the education of his offspring. A visit to his home in Seaview, Brooklyn will reinforce this certainty. Although its investment in the Tonèl Club companyin Brooklyn went up in smoke. Although this year he surrendered to the front line in the fight against covid-19, as a specialist in respiratory therapy. A mission that has completely seasoned him, being up against the wall in the treatment of the infected, imbued with the importance of the lives to be saved. While the music remains an addiction. Since he finds the time to take part in the reunion of the group, when a rallying is necessary. A hell of a number this ” Captain ”.
