Superblue "1994 Flag Party"

They don't do it like this anymore! Enjoy Superblue captivating the crowd with his very unique style!

2-11-94 - NATIONAL SOCA MONARCH COMPETITION @ THE SPECTRUM, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO..
Production by TTT...Courtesy of CARIBBEAN PRESTIGE PROMOTIONS
JOIN THE CultureShare SOCIAL NETWORK MOVEMENT @ http://cultureShare.ning.com

Dream Team models heat up the stage for their Band Launch of Gems of the World for Trinidad Carnival 2010.

No Radio Airplay for some Soca Songs

There are a myriad of issues that could lead to a station not playing an artiste's song. However, the first issue that needs to be addressed (in the case of Trinidad) is the amount of local music that is played on the stations. Most of the stations in the country cater to an American flavor and only during the carnival season do they play any local music (calypso, Soca and chutney flavors).
OK, in Trinidad there is one consistent "total local radio station" and that is WACK Radio 901 Fm (http://www.wackradio901fm.com) and they too have issues with certain artists and songs not being played.
They really try to play as much of the new music but many songs fall through the crack. Here are some things to consider:

1. Payola is an issue with some stations. I am saying this not because I know for sure but it is a fact of life in the music industry and I don't this it is any different in Trinidad or the rest of the West Indies. Pay for pay is a reality!

2. Some stations don't have a list of songs on rotation and leave it to the on air personality to play the music. Some of these DJ's are limited with funding and their personal tastes will dictate whom they play.

3. The stations should have a music pool from which the DJ's can get the music to play

4. The artistes too need to go themselves or send someone to "drop off" their music (hey these are the islands of the Caribbean Ok). Just go to the station and present your music in person; sometimes you may find yourself on air introducing your music with the DJ.

5. Some stations play mostly Soca with limited Calypso; some are chutney based with limited Soca and minimal Calypso. Know the stations and what they push before laying blame at any station footsteps.

6. Internet radio is big... send your music to these people... most of the time they will play your music

7. Get your fans to call the station to ask for your music ... fans listening to the station is the lifeblood for advertising dollars earned by these entities. That goes for the internet stations too (more important for the more established ones).

8. Think outside of the box don't lay blame on anyone - go out there and get your music heard.

9. Soca Mafia? Maybe... but that means that people are paying for this to happen! It also means that it is the artists destroying each other (those who have the income to do it)

10. People are already tired of poor lyrics and repetitive rhythms. The new music is too robotic. They need to get back to musicians in the studio to present a better sound. Whether or not you agree the quality of the music (lyrics and music) has deteriorated!

11. Hey people want to hear Soca and much of the music being presented is not really Soca but masquerading under the banner of Soca!

12. Too much inter island pettiness (I noticed this on Islandmix.com where there is a hatred for Trinidad/Trinidadian culture).

Machel and the HD Crew 2K10

Artist: Machel Montano
Title: Thiefin/Bumper to Fender
Album: Album 34
Year: 2010
Genre: Soca
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago

The Magic and Creativity of Peter Minshall

Peter Minshall's Tan Tan and Saga Boy

Sugar Bum Bum - Lord Kitchener

Calypso/Soca classic by the Grandmaster, the legend, the greatest ever, Lord Kitchener!

Kes The Band - "Stalker"

Mr. Walker - Lord Brynner

PLACE OF BIRTH: Erin, Trinidad

Lord Brynner - Big Big Bamboo Calypso

Label:

Erin Records

Catalog#:

Lp. 1941

Format:

Vinyl, LP

Country:

Jamaica

Released:

1968

Genre:

Reggae

Style:

Calypso

Tracklist

A1		The Queen Sings Calypso	3:05
A2		Mr. Walker	4:04
A3		Soul In She Soul	3:25
A4		The Viking	3:33
A5		Big, Big, Bamboo, Bamboo	2:55
B1		Misery Woman	3:42
B2		Miss Tourist	3:58
B3		Rich Man, Poor Man	3:46
B4		Who Put Pepper In The Vaseline	2:34
B5		Fire In Yu Wire	2:54

Calypso: Wilmoth Houdini

Often called the “Calypso King of New York,” Houdini (1895-1973) was the first calypsonian to have a successful career in the United States. As a young man in Trinidad, he sang in calypso tents and served as a “chantwell” (lead singer) for a Carnival masquerade band called the “African Millionaires.” During this period, he worked as a seaman and in 1928 settled in New York. There he began an extensive recording career that would continue through the 1940s. Among his many calypsos were songs that proclaimed his artistic rivalry with calypsonians back in Trinidad, such as Lord Executor and the Roaring Lion.

Houdini performed in a variety of venues in New York. He sang at the 1939 World’s Fair, frequently appeared in nightclubs and often organized Caribbean parties in Harlem. He composed calypsos on a wide range of topics. Some of his observations on life in New York were included in an album set titled Harlem Seen Through Calypso Eyes (Decca, c. 1940). In 1939 Houdini recorded a song called “He Had It Coming.” In 1946 Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan released a duet version of the song, under the title of “Stone Cold Dead in the Market,” which became and R&B hit. The song brought Houdini new-found fame, and he organized his own calypso festival in New York in 1947.  http://www.last.fm/music/

David Rudder, "Pan in De Mas"

Song for Panorama/Carnival 2010 release, music composed by Pelham Goddard lyrics by David Rudder.

Roaring Lion - Classic Stuff!

At the 1994 Caribbean Music Awards in New York, Eddie Grant presented a lifetime achievement award to The Roaring Lion for his accomplishments as the Dean of Calypso. The Lion bemoaned the fact that he received recognition and appreciation for his achievements abroad instead of his homeland.  We have heard similar statements made in many different ways by so many sons and daughters of the homeland. It is about time that we, as a nation do better in this regard. "Yes We Can!"

"One of the major figures of early calypso music, Roaring Lion recorded copiously between the 1930s and '50s, and was instrumental in spreading the international popularity of calypso. His vintage sides are what many listeners think of as calypso at its best -- infectious rumba rhythms, lighthearted (sometimes nonsensical) lyrics, and a combination of Trinidadian musical elements with Anglo pop sensibilities.

Roaring Lion was born as Hubert Raphael Charles around 1910, although he later changed his name to Raphael de Leon. Already a writer of poetry as a boy, he launched his career as a singer in 1927, when -- much to his surprise -- he won a calypso competition. The event also occasioned his nickname of Roaring Lion, inspired by his style of vocal delivery (although if he was indeed a roaring lion, he was a pretty gentle and charming one).

In the '30s, Roaring Lion (with help from partner Attila the Hun) was crucial to the development of calypso, devising the calypso duet and calypso drama, and introducing new melodies to a style that originally had very few. Between 1934 and 1941, he was the most prolific calypso recording artist, cutting nearly 100 singles, including some of the music's most popular standards, such as "Mary Ann," "Netty Netty," and "Six Feet High." One of his most famous compositions, "Ugly Woman" (originally recorded in 1933), formed much of the basis for Jimmy Soul's 1963 number one hit "If You Wanna Be Happy."

Roaring Lion performed and recorded in the United States occasionally during the '30s and '40s. In fact, he spent much of 1945 singing in New York clubs, including the Village Vanguard, where he was replaced by a young Harry Belafonte. Roaring Lion has claimed that Belafonte subsequently performed and recorded some of Lion's songs without crediting or compensating the originator.

In 1951, Roaring Lion relocated to Great Britain for 15 years, performing, recording, and running both a cosmetics company and a bureau that helped immigrants find jobs and places to live. After his British jaunt he returned to Trinidad to assume his position as an elder statesman. He is also the author of a treatise devoted to his theory that calypso's roots can be traced back to 13th century France, Calypso from France to Trinidad: 800 Years of History. In 1993, he issued an album of re-recordings of a dozen of his hits, with Eddy Grant producing, and guest appearances by Grant and David Rudder. Ice also issued many of his classic originals on CD with Sacred 78's. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide."

Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/roaring-lion

3 Canal Rapso Music at its very best!

3canal are recording artists from Trinidad & Tobago. Their style of music is called Rapso.

Rapso is conscious music and is more of a philosophy and stance than an identifiable musical signature. It has been termed “The Power of the Word in the Rhythm of the Word”, “The Poetry of Calypso” and “The Consciousness of Soca”.

They began their musical journey in 1997, with the song “Blue”, a song which marked a turning point for the music industry of TnT. It became a benchmark for the new Sound of the music of Trinidad’s Carnival. Two years later they recorded “Talk yuh Talk” [1999] a hard hitting response to all “mocking pretenders of society”. This went on to become an anthem for the dispossessed and voiceless.

3canal’s work as artists goes beyond its musical base, into Design & Consultancy, Performance Workshops, Event Production & Management, through their production company cut + clear productions.

In 2004 they created “The 3canal Show” a multi-media performance event, which has since become an annual event in Trinidad’s carnival calendar.

For the Trinidad Carnival they also create a Jouvay Band. Jouvay is a street "parade" where revellers take to the streets from 4am to sunrise, masquerading in various guises, mud, oil. pigments.

A significant part of their work involves working with young people in workshop labs using the carnival arts as a means of expression and empowerment.

Information Sourced from: http://www.3canal.com/

Moses Charles - Indrani ( OFFICIAL VIDEO ) 2010

Reply to Moses-(Indrani) Sang by: Kamela Singh & Curtis B. from DESTINY BAND

German Calypso band "Lord Mouse and the Kalypsokatz"

Good morning and a Happy New Year to everyone.  This post is an unusual one because I am giving you a link to a German Calypso band to listen to today. I am doing so because the music has the feel of calypso from the early days.
Watch the Youtube Video (Pics) then go and take a listen (play list at MySpace): LORD MOUSE

A Palace State of Mind - The CD!

The launching of The 'De Original De Fosto Himself' CD turned out be more than that and I must tell you I was very impressed - this was a classy show that showcased the foundation that our Carnival stands on, classic calypso - he unwittingly launched the 2010 Carnival Festival. It felt like you were listening to one to one of the calypso tents as the wit and humor of Sprangalang was heard over the voice of culture radio Wack 901fm.com. I huddled next to my computer listening to Kenny Phillips and his crew welcome the international listeners to this gala event - the Carnival is here!

There were many artistes showcasing their talent. The pan talent rose to the top with Pantastic (Yohan Popwell and friends) harmonizing with De Fosto paying tribute to the late great Lord Kitchener- talk about clean refined and sweet pan it was pantastic indeed! De Fosto's first selection from his new music was a tribute to the late Kelvin Pope (the Mighty Duke) after which he burned down the Mas Camp Pub with "Pan on Fire" one for the pan fraternity. He was smart enough to introduce members of Catelli All stars; he sang his tribute to "All Stars" with the hope (my thoughts) that they would be playing this song for the 2010 panorama competition - it is a really nice song and should sound pantastic indeed - we will have to wait see (well listen for the sweetness from the steel pan).

DeFosto was smart with every word uttered for this show but then again some may say that he spoke to much and complained a little bit too much. He did not forget to thank everyone who supported him and especially the media attending the show. He lamented the fact that he was 'robbed' so many times during competition but then pointed out that he is blessed and because of all that he went through he remained consistent and produced excellent music that documented the trials and tribulation of the people as only a real calypsonians could proclaim.

A Palace State of Mind ensures that the continuity of the calypso artform is in good hands now that the late great Lord Kitchener is gone to the after life. The music on the compact disc is a good social discourse and also has music for the panorama competition. Let see what happens if he enters the calypso competition this season. Will he be successful or will the hard hitting In a palace state of mind ostricize "De Original De Fosto Himself" to the calypso grave yard once again.

Final thoughts... the music rendered was first class calypso, the lyrics are biting with savvy implications of political satire and added melodic flavor for the pan purests. This is a well crafted calypso classic and a recording of music that should be added to your collection.  Congratulation to "De Original De Fosto Himself" for some really sweet calypso compositions and more so for launching the 2010 Carnival season.

Trouble (Soca 2010) - Nadia Batson & Black Stalin

This is just an audio clip with photos of the Artistes - no video feed... but enjoy the music!