Songs in the Shade of the Flamboyant Tree: French Creole Lullabies and Nursery RhymesHardcover, 1 June 2012

Through colorful tunes and splashy illustrations reminiscent of the vibrant flamboyant tree, this collection celebrates life's passages and various island rituals in the tropical isles of Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, and Reunion. Lyrics are reproduced in the original French Creole dialects and translated into English, followed by notes on the origin and cultural context of each song. The accompanying CD features 30 traditional songs recorded with indigenous acoustic instruments and exquisitely performed by women, men, and children. This uplifting, enchanting production captures the joie de vivre evoked in the original repertoire, making it an absolute delight to musical ears.