BIOGRAPHY
With over thirty years of composing and performing experience, Gifrants has reached a new plateau in his unique and sultry genre of fused jazz and traditional pan-Caribbean music. This seasoned artist has entertained the east coast with evocative rhythms and stories brought to life in live settings with an unrivaled passion. It is a long road to forge a new genre of music, but this is exactly what Gifrants has done over the span of his career. Performing in the heart of academia—Harvard Square—and in prestigious venues like New York’s, SOB’s, Neil’s, as well as South Beach’s Jazid and beyond, this dynamic entertainer has sold over 40,000 CD’s, all without major label backing. Gifrants has released numerous projects on his label Gaëta Records. Writing, producing and acting as his own publicist, he is often accompanied by a revolving cast of Boston based jazz luminaries who perform his songs in both live and studio settings.
Such was his passion for music that, three years into Law School, he
GIFRANTS
dropped out to follow his true Calling. It did not take long for his tremendous talent to be duly recognized in his homeland of Haiti where he finished first place in several music contests. His remarkable musical journey continues here in the States where he has not only released numerous projects but recently published the first Haitian music books in over fifty years Kantik, Natif, Volim I and Pa Amou. As described in his “Synopsis Of My Work In Haitian Music”, Kantik Natif shows his determination to find a new conceptualization of harmonic progressions for a modern Haitian music. Pa Amou extends this mindset to classical music and introduces the Chantrèl style which is best described as a Haitian approach to chamber music. As should be expected by anyone familiar with Gifrants’ large body of work, Chantrèl‘s articulations and expressions remain solidly rooted in the endemic elements of both traditional and contemporary Haitian music. Gifrants’ credentials as a songwriter, composer, vocalist, guitarist and arranger reflect his versatility as well the diversity of his work which encompasses roots, traditional, pop, contemporary, incantation, natif (the jazzy aspect of Haitian music) to classical music. Hypnotic! Relaxing! Inspiring! Engaging! Thoughtful! Beautiful! Just to list a few attributes cited by critics and listeners alike. Indeed, Gifrants’ music conveys the simplicity and complexity, beauty and sensuality of Haitian music as well as the struggles, resilience and hope of his Haitian brothers and sisters. No doubt his musical legacy shall influence many generations to come.
