15 of 15

in BOSTON

The all-female, Berklee-bred octet Zili Misik claim as parts of their mix “Haitian mizik rasin, Jamaican roots reggae, Brazilian samba, Afro-Cuban son, African-American spirituals, jazz, blues, and neo-soul.” In other words, “disaporic rhythm and song.” Such a fusion can easily turn into an indistinct mish-mash of styles — a kind of “smooth” world. But Zili Misik — they take their name from the Haitian female spirit Ezili — never dilute their sound. This is in part because leader/vocalist/percussionist Kera Washington writes such strong, distinctive pieces and also because of the talent of the band’s individual players — guitarist Lexi Havlin gives a Santana-like bite to her improvisations and trumpeter Krystal Johnson, saxophonist Joy Roster, and keyboardist Hinako Sato’s jazz chops cross genres easily. Bassist Joanna Maria and drummer Jobeth Umali establish the authority of every groove they touch — from Afro-Cuban son-montuno to African highlife. Dance rhythms, pop hooks (sung by vocalist/percussionist Rajdulari), jazz improvisation — it’s the kind of sound that’s made them favorites at Ryles and the Beehive.

— Jon Garelick

LISTEN: Zili Misik, "Neges Ibo" (mp3)

Runners-up
1. Newpoli
2. Sergio Brandao & Manga Rosa
3. Alex Alvear

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