Henri-Pierre Noël

Died suddenly on June 20, 2018 Henri-Pierre Noel was an incredibly versatile musician who used the piano in a very percussive and syncopated way, almost like a drum. This particular technique naturally brought disco and afro-funk elements into his unique brand of dance floor fusion. On moving to Canada from his original home of Haïti, Henri-Pierre Noel brought with him much of the tropical island’s influences. The “Kompa Funk” sounds of his homeland, alongside contemporary North American jazz and disco, run throughout both of Henri’s albums recorded in the late 1970’s – “Piano” and “One More Step”. Both were released on very limited private presses and have since become holy grails of the back music scene. In later years, Henri-Pierre Noel finally got the recognition he deserved when his early works were discovered by Montreal-based DJ Kobal (2). It then became clear that Noel’s finest moments needed to be re-released and re-discovered by a new generation.. Soon after, with the assistance of Kobal (2), and Canadian DJs Moonstarr and Andy Williams (9), who were all keen fans of his early works, he was introduced to Dom Servini, owner of a small British label. His two earlier albums were finally re-mastered and re-released in 2012 and 2014 on UK-based label Wah Wah 45s. Until the very end, the man himself was still playing in his adopted home of Montreal, Below are some interesting reviews of the releases: “Tailor made for the dance floor! An incredibly consistent album!” Craig Charles, BBC6 Music, UK “It’s badass!” Huey Morgan, BBC 6Music (UK) “Love it! A really good fusion, reminds me of pigbag in places.” Mr. Scruff, Ninja Tune, UK