« Calypso’s golden age » by Caribbean Beat

Calypso conquered the world after Harry Belafonte’s 1956 Calypso album became an unprecedented success, but overseas fascination began far earlier, thanks to plentiful recording sessions that took place both in New York and Port of Spain. And many commentators agree that calypso’s « golden age » stretches from late 1930s to the early 1960s, wich is the era profiled on this double CD. Humour is naturally a big part of the proceedings, with Kitchener demanding that his girlfriend return « My Wife’s Nightie », Terror fretting « Chinese Children Calling Me Daddy », and Houdini bemoaning a lack of « Gin ans Coconut Water » in the United states. Of equal interested are intriguing calypso adaptations of traditional tunes, such as « Hol’ Em Joe » by Sparrow, the excellent « Kalenda March » by Roaring Lion, and « River Den Come Down » by the obscure Island Champions. There are many perennial favorites, including Invader’s « Rum and Coca Cola », Sparrow’s « Russian Satellite », and Kitchener’s « Kitch », but the uncommon gems bring the compilation to a higher level. For instance, there is a superbly sultry adaptation of the ribald « Fire Down Below », credited to Beauty and the Brute Force Steel Band, and the pairing of actress Enid Mosier with a Trinidadian steelband for a rendition of Lord Melody’s « Boys Days » bis un uncommon delight, as is Young Tiger’s « Calypso Be-Bop ». This fine compilation thus has plenty of interest for a broad audience, from the seasoned calypso hand to those not overly familiar with the form. David KATZ – CARIBBEAN BEAT (UK)

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