A Fifth of Beethoven

A 2 track funk single (8m 24s) — released July 1st 2013 on Wah Wah 45s

On moving to Canada from his original home of Haiti, pianist and singer/songwriter Henri-Pierre Noel brought with him much of the tropical island's influences. Henri is an incredibly versatile musican who uses the piano in a very percussive and syncopated way, almost like a drum. This particular technique naturally brings disco and afro-jazz elements into his unique brand of "Kompa Funk".

In 2012, Wah Wah 45s re-mastered and re-issuedHenri-Pierre Noel's debutLP from 1979,"Piano", to huge critical acclaim. Whilst doing so, Canadian producer Moonstarr discovered a couple of previously unreleased cuts recorded in the same session way back when. Henri-Pierre Noel's versions of the the Walter Murphy disco classic "A Fifth Of Beethoven" and the soul/jazz standard "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" are fire for the dance floor filled to the brim with the man's tradmark keys, funky bass and afro flavoured percussion.

These exclusive recordings are sure to start many a party this summer, and set the scene perfectly for Henri's UK visit this July - the highlight surely being a full London show at The Jazz Cafe on Saturday July 13th!

A bientot MonsieurNoel!

Tailor made for the dance floor! - Craig Charles BBC 6Music

Love it! A really good fusion, reminds me of pigbag in places. - Mr. Scruff Ninja Tune

It's badass! - Huey Morgan BBC 6Music

Really great to see Wah Wah 45s supporting the heritage of jazz! - Jazzman Gerald Jazzman Records

What a treat. I just loved every second of that! He will be playing live for us on the show next Summer! - Cerys Matthews BBC 6Music

Ow, I can see some people go nuts on those fast piano notes!!! Lovely - DJ Lefto Brownswood Recordings

A real collector's piece. - Digby Mixmag

Each track has a relentless and driving sound due to such an unusually strong groove from this amazing pianist. It's almost African in feel. His solos are just red-hot on every single track. - Blues & Soul Blues & Soul Magazine

Amazing album! - Emil Omar Radio Nova

Timeless grooves. 4/5 - Sean Smith Tokyo Jazz Notes

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