The original, authentic form of meringue was derived from old-time French contredanse to become one of the supreme Caribbean dance rhythms. It was compelled into a metamor-phosis by Dominican merengue groups as well as Cuban and American orchestras, giving birth to konpa-dirEk (a.k.a. compas) in 1955. First introduced in Port-au-Prince by Haitian music giant Nemours Jean-Baptiste, konpa never ceased to evolve over the years and remains a very popular style in the Caribbean. Compiled by Bruno Blum with a detailed commentary, this anthology at the root of pachanga and salsa gathers together early meringue records and the foundational konpa recordings. Many of the treasures included in this collection have eluded most for half a century. Patrick FREMEAUX