Raw Kaiso Two - Michael Goodwin reports that he has sent off all the materials for a Second volume of Raw Kaiso from Rounder, this one featuring a Brigo and Rio concert.
Meanwhile Keith Warner's Kaiso will be back in print soon from ??, the successor to Three Continent Press.
Louis Regis's book on political calypso in Trinidad is due out this fall from Univ of Florida Press.
Cavalcade
1942. Text in 1943 Victory calypsosOf all the modern songs we have heard I know
They can hardly cope with some of those from long ago
Take climb upon my knees Sonny boy
That's one of the songs that filled my heart with joy
But the one who made this song should be in paradise
And the six feet of earth made us all of one size
Now I'll mention few of them without delay
As when the blue of the night meets of the day
Appearing was the number, dawn of tomorrow
And pack up all your cares and woe
Remember all alone by the telephone
And even show me the way to go home.
In the big broadcast, Bing Crosby crooned this song with ease
Oh please, lend a listening ear to my plea
Swanee River and Old Black Joe we can't forget
And put on your Easter bonnet
Every race have got a flag, we know was deemed first class
And you can't burn the candle at both ends to last
Then we had the Ten Commandments, Mother McCray, The Rosary and
On the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond
You remember shipmates stand together forever
And I did not train my boy to be a soldier
And by every one this song was eulogized
Its creole baby walk along with rhythm in her eyes
Vivacious was this number and a real good swing
T'was when the red red robin came bob bob bobbing
A space in this cavalcade we must allow
For I wonder who's kissing her now
And I love to whistle, whistling makes me happy
Especially when you're near me
Those how about the shades of an old oak tree
And carry me back to old Virginy.
Veteran blind calypsonian who was a regular in the tents from the '60s to the '90s, although he has only released a couple singles. Born in St Lucia, he moved to Trinidad as a child and is a Trinidadian citizen. He started singing when only 15 years old. He had his first break in 1960 when he auditioned with Sparrow for a funding raising concert for victims of Hurricane Donna. Sparrow encouraged Almanac, saying he had potential and that started him on the road to a lengthy career in calypso. He first appeared at the Independence Tent in 1962 singing Almanac's Dream and Wabeen Government. In 1963, returned to the Independence Tent singing Keep Your Business to Yourself. He appeared on television on Scouting for Talent and also had a regular night club spot in St James at the Pepper Pot for several months.
While he continued to compose, he did not return to the tents until 1968 when he began a nine year run at Kitch's Revue. In 1968 he sang Irresponsible Mothers and Carnival '68. He returned in 1969 with Carnival Pan and Love for Money. In 1970, it was his risqué Leather Haunting and Grandfather's Advice. For '71, it was No Ways Different. And in '72 Facts of Life. In 73 he participated in the Buy Local competition singing The Buy Local Argument and False Prophets. For '74, he sang Unfair Treatment and Disenchanted Youth. He sang Carnival Controversy and Do You Approve in '75, and ended his run at the Revue in '76 with Build a Better World and No Man Works Alone. He joined Stalin's Calypso Court in 1977 and sang Save the Children. He returned in '78 to the new Kingdom of the Wizard tent where he sang four songs, reprising Save the Children and singing Bow Wow Wow and his Tribute to Maestro. He was again at the Kingdom of the Wizards in 1979 with Sweet Exotic Soca Music which was later recorded in 1980 and released as a single in 1981.
Though he continued to compose, he did not perform in the tents again until 1983. That year he was at Sparrow Young Brigade for the next six years and made it to the monarchy semifinals with Will I and Best Republic. In '84 it was What is Macho and Find a Way. For '85, he sang West Indian Girls and Mr Society. In '86, he did PCC Affairs on the City Council scandal. He wrote two songs that were sung by Ailene Ligar(sp?) who won the award for most promising female with ??, In the Name of Democracy and Tableau of Lottery Ticket. Regrettably, she never lived up to that promise. She sang Until in 1987 and Smart Cashier in 1988. He did not perform in '89 or '90 but returned in 1991 to the Vintage Calypso Tent to sing Question Is. He did not perform in '92 or '93. His last year to date in the tents was 1994 when he performed at Kaiso House singing Save the Family, If It was Me about Kitch's refusal of the Cachonia Gold medal and Why You Sit. He was to put out his first album, Simply Classy, cassette only, in 1994 but finances prevented its completion. He celebrated his 23rd annual concert at the Mas Camp Pub on July 17, 1998.
Ray Funk
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