Trafic d'influences

"Over and over resisting the standardization imposed by the "Grand Brouzouf" integrists, les 100 Grammes de Têtes revolt against the universal laws of "marketing culturel" and carry on their musical trip" : this is how we could sum up this new record. With their two renowned albums the band could easily rest on their laurels and milk the cow like so many others on the ska-reggae scene do. No way ! After "l'auberge catalane" in "Tit' Jamaïque", "Trafic d'influences" intrepidly pursues the melting-pot. You would have to be either very gifted or totally crazy to find a stylistic unity in this 12-track concept album based on encounters and exchange, diversity and proximity (concerning geography, identity or affinities...).

The band treated themselves and invited many fellow artists : namely Gari and Jamilson (Massilia Sound System), Cédric "IM" Brooks (The Skatalites legendary saxophonist, Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, Journey to Africa : The Heritage Showcase, etc.), on two tracks, Ti' Mike (singer of Mister Gang) on two others, Pascal Comelade (renowned Catalan composer), Manu & Ben (Kargol's), la cobia Combo Gili (traditional Catalan orchestra, created in 1919, it is the oldest of the region), Chris The Cat (harmonicist), Spencer White (first singer, and one of the founders of 100 G.), Malph & Elastik of Sounds Around (Parisian dub remixers), The Vocal Gospel (Perpignan based gospel choir). Several covers also revisit common legends : Thélonious Monk, Toots & The Maytals, Hendrix, A.J. Ellis, Clash (a tribute which was meant to be...), and as many creations see the 100 G. adapt to their different guests hopping from one style to another.

A whole variety of worlds collide and merge, from instrumental ska-jazz to trad., through neo-realistic song, dub and jungle, classic 70's reggae, the jazz / soul / rhythm'n'blues trilogy and Occitan ragga. The whole is excellently documented in a leaflet presenting on one side the guests and their bio and on the opposite page the tracks and their creators. An "adult" and enjoyable album, based on ambiances and oppositions, sometimes puzzling, but widely open and able to seduce a large audience without denying its authenticity and feeling.