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 islands influences. The Kompa Funk sounds of his homeland, alongside contemporary North American jazz and disco, run throughout both of Henris albums recorded in the late 1970s 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 . It then became clear that Noels finest moments needed to be re-released and re-discovered by a new generation.. Soon after, with the assistance of , and Canadian DJs and , who were all keen fans of his early works, he was introduced to , 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 . 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
Its badass! Huey Morgan, BBC 6Music (UK)
Love it! A really good fusion, reminds me of pigbag in places. Mr. Scruff, Ninja Tune, UK
Name Vars
- H.P.N.
- Henri Pierre Noel
- Henri Pierre Noël
- Henri-Pierre Noel