Tabou Combo- T-Vice and Carimi

By Rich Wilson -Music Critic

"This is Konpa!" And this is Do-La at Chenango Summer Music Fest in Hamilton, NY. Do-La's performance delivered quintessential outdoor summertime dance music. This alone made the experience worthwhile. However, the Brooklyn-based Haitian Konpa band also provided a history lesson into the rhythmic roots of U.S. popular music. The Creole influence on everyone from Bo Diddley to Bob Dylan is unmistakable. Do-La is well rehearsed, educational and fun. There was a beautiful instrumental passage reminiscent of Funkadelic circa 1972. The song "After-Party" made this listener long for one. All in favor of dancing till six in the morning say, "Do-La!" Many high praises could be heard as the enthusiastic crowd dispersed. Hopefully this show marks the beginning of a bountiful relationship between Do-La and upstate NY. Norwich, perhaps? Binghamton?? We are very appreciative of good music in these parts. My only constructive criticism: they could have been more gratuitous with the encores. When the audience calls for one and there are no performers waiting to take stage, an abbreviated Marley cover played by one member while band mates pack up does not cut it. This is roots music. This is a good time. This is Do-La.