ARTIST/BAND /GROUP INFORMATION
| Artist/Band/Group Birthday : | 12/11/1969(Age 55) |
| Born In/Current Location : | Haiti/Florida, USA |
| Occupation(s) : | Guitarist |
| Genres : | Konpa |
| Solo/Band/Group : | Coupe Cloue, Zenglen, Klass |
Louixène Romny Floristal, better known by his stage name, El Pozo was born in the Chancerelles section of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. He is the second of seven children. Floristal started off playing the bass, switched to the drums, and took a shot at the keyboard until he finally settled with the guitar. Floristal got his stage name (El Pozo) from the popular Haitian artist, Gracia Delva during their Zenglen days. Gracia Delva made the reference based on how cool, clam and collected he remained under any circumstances. Soon after the entire band started calling him, El Pozo or Pozo for short. El Pozo played with some of the elite bands in the industry. His resume includes playing with, Coupé Cloué, Zenglen and as of most recent, Klass. He developed a signature style that has been emulated by many younger guitarist in the industry.
Romny for its part has entered music as one enters into religion. His uncle Emile Jean Baptiste, a musician and multi-instrumentalist of the seraglio who instilled in him the musical priesthood in the parish choir. Already a teenager, he was able to express himself on bass, drums and keyboards. Then follow the impromptu explorations which enable him to feel the guitar which he has ended up adopting. In the meantime, he finds it necessary, under the suggestion of an intimate, to go to the musical institution of the Holy Trinity. Which is only an episodic stopover in its quest for educational data. At this intersection, fortuitous stresses are the order of the day. In pretty convincing rides that put its exclusive sound in evidence.
A sparse and relaxed touch capable of propelling plural vibrations, bursting with ornamentation. Brands that put it in the limelight. And consequently, a return to the famous “Ensemble Select” of King Jean Gesner “Coupé Cloué” Henry; depicting Louixène’s baptism of fire in the local show biz arena. An experience that is both rewarding and draconian for the young guitarist, with the big names to fill. That those of the pioneers such as: Bellerive Dorcélien, then sickly, of Rigal Jean Baptiste and Moise Jean, still at the post. With whom he must reckon in order to better understand the parameters of the koupe rhythm . Learning his subjects in the shadow of the makers of this unusual scheme, bucolic flavor and allegorical twist.
While drawing inspiration from various urban and global resonances. Including that of his model Dadou Pasquet from which he inherited this breathtaking velocity. According to other implications which endowed Florestal with a cumulative impedimenta. Which attracts the attention of the community that suits it in other associations. Including Almando Keslin’s “Omni Band” with which he collaborated for an album. In the meantime, it is the commotion inside the “Ensemble Select” which has had a makeover with youngsters like the singer, Yves “Tiguy” Paul, the bassist Onel Henry, Gesner Henry son, and Louixène among others, always solidified by the presence of the king, the innovative percussionist René Pétion and the broken guitarist Rigal. To keep this national legacy warm, unequivocal.
LEARNING HIS SUBJECTS IN THE SHADOW OF THE MAKERS OF THIS UNUSUAL SCHEME, BUCOLIC FLAVOR AND ALLEGORICAL TWIST.
And that’s what Romny got down to, in consolidating the Koupe vibrations , that he knew how to maintain with his unalterable phrasing. Contributing even some compositions like: ” bébé bèl pawòl ” ; which adorned the ultimate work ” Titèt la ” which marked the end of the cycle of this immortal group. And, following other fleeting excursions, he ended up in NY to join his family. Where anonymity did not help him to do his prime-time ; apart from a few “ stints ”sporadically in the bistros with the “Gagòt”, a small group from Brooklyn. In addition, the artist quickly moved to other areas. By studying the paralegal or legal assistant, to ensure his back. But drama! Contacts from Miami, which has meanwhile become the Mecca of the konpa, tell him that his expertise is imperative. He landed there immediately within the “Zenglen” which badly needed expressive strings.
And this is what transmuted from the work : ”… Do it right ” , in which its impact reflects profusely, on purpose with a concise and rich sound, concocted from its multiple walks. That he wraps up like a painter distilling colors that are both vibrant and sober. Propelling a synthesis of diatonic scales; whether in chords or “single notes” . At this intersection, a ! An ancestry that inspired the former mountebank and “ blackmailer ” of Miami. Become the indecent senator “tèt kale”, Gracia Delva, then part of the group, to stick the nickname of “El Pozo”. Because of its plastic posture and posed to deliver the essential. And, successively Romny repeated in the works: ” star is born ” ” 5 Star ”, ” 5 th speed ” . As well as the solo album: ” Le konpa / Happy 50 ” by Richie; which he embellished with his contagious mark.
Obviously, it’s the time of fame for ” El Pozo ” who has established himself as the benchmark guitarist of modern konpa . No wonder Maestro Richie included it in his plans, when he decided to part ways with the “Zenglen” group, to go and form the “Klass”. An offer that he could not refuse and which affixes him from simple executor to co-founder, in the company of Pipo, Nuxon and the boss Jean Richard Hérard. And with which Romny Louixène Florestal held the course, while adding other sobriety to the key. Producing three successful albums with ‘Klass’ including: ” Fè l ak tout kè w ”, ” Fè l yon lòt jan ” , and ” Ret nan liy ou ”, a little breathless, not to say recycled. Like what, the group wanted too much to stay in its line. Too accustomed to his comfort zones. This is why we should not hold it against them; having remained the number one poster of the West Indian music hall. Before covid-19 ruined everything.
” EL POZO ” HAS ERASED AS MANY CHRESTOMATHIES AS WELL AS THE INFLUENCE OF DADOU PASQUET, WHOSE ACCURACY AND SCIENCE OF EXECUTION HE PRAISES.
Truth be told, the resources are available for post-corona rebound. In addition, “El Pozo” has erased as many chrestomathies as well as the influence of Dadou Pasquet, whose accuracy and science of execution he praises. And from which he is inspired, for an optimal evolution of his career as a musician. And to be able to predict the ” mood ” and the ‘ ‘ vibe ” that will prevail, to stay on top. With Pipo’s support and Richie’s dominance, it should only be a matter of convenience.
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