T-Vice

Infobox musical artist
Name = T-Vice


Img_capt = Haitian musical duo; brothers Roberto and Reynaldo, original founders and one half of T-Vice.
Background = group_or_band
Alias = Vice Squad, Vice 2K
Origin =
Instrument = Vocals
Guitar
Genre = Kompa
Years_active = 1991-Present
Label =
URL = [http://www.vice2k.com/ Vice2K.com]
Current_members = Roberto Martino
Reynaldo Martino
Gerald Kebreau
James Cardozo
Olivier Duret
Rivenson Louissaint
Eddy Junior Viau

T-Vice is a Haitian Compas music band that is based in Miami, Florida.

History

The musical group was formed in 1991 by brothers Roberto and Reynaldo Martino, sons of renowned Haitian guitarist Robert Martino of the classic Top Vice band, T-Vice's predecessor. Longtime friends James Cardozo and Gerald Kebreau were soon part of the group thus completing the quartet as they were originally known to be. Roberto and Reynaldo had thought of the idea of creating their own group through the musical influence and inspiration they received from Top Vice in which their father was the lead guitarist.

Musical Style

T-Vice revolutionized the genre of compas with the energetic party vibe they brought to the scene. Musical influences from reggae, merengue, flamenco and modern synthesizing from rock 'n' roll have made the group one of the most innovative musicians of the genre. The group's performances have led them to become the current face behind the music in large part due to their international touring. The band has traveled to European, and Caribbean countries, as well as U.S states for concerts. The band's debut album "Kompa Kontak" was a hit among compas listeners. In October 2006, T-Vice released a new album titled Kité'm Viv.

T-Vice has collaborated with other Haitian compas bands such as Carimi and their rival Djakout Mizik. The group appeared in the hit single "Party By The Sea" along with rapper Wyclef Jean and Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton.

Hardship and Success

Many sought to attribute the band's success to their relationship with patriarch Robert Martino, as well as the steadfast managerial genus of the Martino brothers' mother Jessie Al-Khal and their uncle Pierrot Al-Khal. T-Vice were victimized in the late 90s by a vicious rumor which was later proven to have been fabricated. It was widely believed that a jealous rival had begun the falsehood. T-Vice has also been involved in a noticeably ongoing "feud" with successful Kompa band Djakout Mizik. However, regardless of their supposed ongoing feud, members of both group share an amically professional friendship.

Over the years, T-Vice has become one of the most successful compas bands of the modern era.

Members

* Roberto Martino (born Jun 13, 1975) - Lead singer and guitarist/composer
* Reynaldo Martino (born May 11, 1978) - Singer, Composer and Maestro.
* Gerald Kebreau (born Jun 18, 1971) - Bass guitarist
* James Cardozo (born Jan 7, 1973) - Singer/vocals, Keytar
* Oliver Duret (born August 4, 1981)- co - singer
* Rivenson Louissaint - (born June 6, 1984)- Drummer
* Eddy Junior Viau - (born 5, 1984)- Percussionist
* Jessie Al-Khal (born June 10)- Manager

International Impact

T-Vice is well recognized for the fact that as a Haitian musical group they have broken the typical local performance scene common to other bands (performing solely in Haiti) and have traveled to many places throughout the Americas and Europe in order to perform. They are often considered musical rivals to another compas great Sweet Mickey. Many even consider T-Vice as being the new Tabou Combo as a result of their international touring that is unparalleled by their contemporaries. Excluding Haiti, T-Vice has performed in the neighboring Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Aruba, Canada, France,Australia, and New Caledonia as well as various U.S cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Orlando, and Boston. They have achieved moderate international success and have recently been invited by officials to represent the Caribbean in an important event to be held in Australia to celebrate the diverse music of the world's cultures. Manager Jessie Al-Khal has also managed to secure the band a much coveted prominent performance in the upcoming U.S. Presidents Ball to be held later this year.

Discography

d/item
released=1993
title="Kompa Kontak"
label=Hibiscus Recordsd/item
released=1995
title="In the House"
label=Sony Internationald/item
released=1996
title="Epi That's It"
label=Hibiscus Recordsd/item
released=1997
title="Banm T-Vice Mwen"
label=Hibiscus Recordsd/item
released=1998
title="The Real Deal"
label=Sony Internationald/item
released=1999
title="Min Medikaman"
label=Hibiscus Recordsd/item
released=2000
title="Kote'm Prantan"
label=Hibiscus Recordsd/item
released=2001
title="Min Medikaman"
label=Hibiscus Recordsd/item
released=2002
title="On The Road"
label=Hibiscus Recordsd/item
released=2003
title="Vin Pran Not"
label=Sony Internationald/item
released=2004
title="Live au Zenith"
label=Sony Internationald/item
released=2006
title="Kite'm Viv"
label=Sony International

External links

* [http://www.t-vice.com/ Official Site]
* [http://www.myspace.com/vice2k/ Official Myspace]
* [http://www.myspace.com/tvicefans Fan Site]