I never enjoyed the trendy music of Guadeloupe; reggaeton will probably never be my style. But the authentic rhythms that mix traditional Creole and French sounds are one of a kind. French Caribbean is an excellent collection of just that, and Putumayo just re-released it in order to give 100% of proceeds to Haiti Relief efforts. Good music for a good cause.

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Article cross-posted from Planet Green.

When a crisis like the recent earthquake in Haiti hits, it’s hard to focus on the positive. Since January 12, 2010 most of us have been consumed with images of devastation. We’ve heard stories of families and communities ripped apart and we’ve discussed how a country that was in a situation of such poverty even before the earthquake struck will ever be able to rebuild itself. But an essential part of having that discussion entails focusing on the positive, moving away from the heart wrenching images of the effects of a natural catastrophe and instead highlighting the creativity and warmth of a people.

That’s what Putumayo World Music believes. In response to the earthquake in Haiti, the label is re-releasing two albums with sounds and rhythms straight from the affected region: French Caribbean and the children’s CD, Caribbean Playground. 100% of the proceeds from each album will be donated to the Red Cross for Haitian relief throughout 2010.

“In 1976, I had the extraordinary experience of visiting this unique country and became a fan of its music, art and people. As a resident of New Orleans, I’ve witnessed how a city can come back from virtual ruin. Haiti will rise again!” – Dan Storper, Founder/CEO

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