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Stalin hosts night of vintage kaiso. Plus......
Posted: Monday, March 25, 2002
By Peter Blood
As he launched his new CD, Hard Wuk, at the Mas Camp Pub on Monday, Black Stalin was given a reception worthy of the king that he is.
Calypsonians and soca artistes from every era came out to support the five-time national monarch and to share the enjoyment of a superb concert that lasted just over four hours.
Among the artistes stepping out on Monday night to support Stalin were TUCO president Penguin (Seadly Joseph), Trinidad Rio, Almanac, Typher, Hamidullah, Abebele, Double D, Gary Cordner, Brother Alpha, Dereck Seales, Blaxx and Mr Q.
Other personalities at the Mas Camp were Claudius Clunis, the Trini who carried the Winter Olympics torch through Miami earlier this year; acclaimed trumpeter Errol Ince; and, popular Miami radio personality Mike Andrews.
Also attending were Stalin's wife Patsy Calliste, Guardian editor-at-large Lennox Grant, councillor Alvin Narine, Lawford Duprey, Pelham Goddard and his wife, Glenda, composer Larry Harewood and Constructive Termites' Junior Bisnath,
Though the show was considered a bit lengthy by many, its content was thoroughly enjoyable, with Bro Superior, Bill Trotman, Blakie, Bro Mudada, Andre Williams, Protector, Contender, Explainer and Singing Sandra preceding the night's star act.
One of the show's most memorable highlights was Explainer's performance of "Lorraine," with some impeccable musicianship by Roy Cape All Stars, especially "Bassie" Boynes.
Other special moments were Singing Sandra's "Sexy Employers," Superior's "African," Mudada's "Mecca," and Protector's "Na Do It."
Live calypso action continues at the Mas Camp this evening with Skatie performing a mixed repertoire of vintage calypso and reggae ballads, and next Wednesday with the return of Sugar Aloes, Pink Panther and Explainer.
Blank for 'Trinidad' in Britain
Although winning the 2002 CT Vibe Road March title by a wide margin, Naya George's "Trinidad" is reportedly getting some rough treatment at the hands of radio DJs in Britain.
My source told me this week that while a number of this year's local hits have captured the fancy of the radio jocks, many are deliberately not playing the Trini Road March.
Incensed by the "diss," my source sought an explanation from one of the DJs, who explained: "We play for a wide range of Caribbean people, not just Trinidadian."
My source told me: "This is all BS. Just the mere fact the title of the song is 'Trinidadmeans they would not play it, but yet still we in Trinidad still want to big up other people's music."
He said Blackie's post-Carnival single "Come Baby" is attracting attention, and some are predicting it could be bigger than last year's whopper, "Hot and Groovy," by Militant.
My source added: "We are getting a bit more play this time 'round, but it's mostly the mid-tempo songs.
Another single people seem to like in London is 'Someday' by Shurwayne Winchester."
Local acts due to hit London soon are Traffik and Bunji Garlin.
Coming attractions
Musical treats in store are the arrival of multiple-Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys in Trinidad next month, and two new CDs soon to hit the market.
They are A Musical Stew, featuring Ntaki Farrell and Simone Small, and Laura.
A Musical Stew is the latest production by the Quincy Jones of soca music, Pelham Goddard, and it features covers by the two vocalists of the hits of Carnival 2002, back in times favourites and more.
Selections on the CD include "Chances," "Biting Insex," "Gimme ah Bligh," "Calabash," "Dulahin," "Turn Me On," "Girls Bam Bam," "Dus in Dey Face" and "Ben Lion."
Goddard told Pulse the CD is a tribute to composers, including Sanell Dempster and her husband Terrence James, Neil "Iwer" George, David Rudder, Barnet Henry, Charles E Boone, Elio Cesari Alberto Testa and Barbados' Stedson "Red Plastic Bag" Wiltshire.
The CD also includes a medley of soca hits, and Pelham's special treatment of standards like "Cuando Cuando," "Ave Maria" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."
The Laura CD, produced by Francis Escayg and Martin "Mice" Raymond, bears its artiste's name. Looking more like a beauty queen than a singer, this 22-year-old is a product of Paramin Village, Maraval, and she has all the requirements to make it big in showbiz.
He debut CD, scheduled for an April 2 launch, has 11 tracks and is on the Jep! label.
Chaconia in full bloom
The Chaconia Hotel officially opened last Monday evening. A trump card at the capital's newest showplace is its Paramin Bar, which features Salsa Night on Thursdays and live music on Fridays, plus DJ Scobie.
On Sundays, Chaconia is inviting the public to its sumptuous dinner at the Maravilla Room, with a vantage view of Pan at the River Lime at its poolside.
Other acts signed at Chaconia are Denyse Plummer, Orange Sky and Emmett Hennessy, the latter really packing 'em in on Saturday nights.
Looking for the snake
I ran into a very nervous Knycky Cordner of Island Vibe this week and learned she suffered a life-threatening experience last week.
Making her way to her vehicle, which was parked outside the IV bandroom in St Joseph, the former model was accosted by armed carjackers who made off with Knycky's vehicle. Seems like the "snake" wasn't slithering around St Joseph that night.
She said since the incident, she's scared even to venture out of her home.
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