After the frenzy of Carnival 2017 and, with a sell-out crowd in attendance at De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp) last week Wednesday, it came like a breath of fresh air to hear some vintage kaiso, some selections dating back to the 1930s.
It was the first attempt by UK-based veteran calypsonian and educator Winston Albert (de Alberto) to produce a calypso show on local soil and a success it was.
Shortpants (Llewelyn Mac Intosh) opened proceedings with a set of old time calypsoes, a couple dating back to the 30s.
Maintaining that mood was Miami-based Bagman, performing locally for the first time in 47 years, and Alexander the Great, a veteran bard who has been championing calypso across Europe for several decades.
Reigning Humour Calypso Monarch Brother Ebony had patrons doubling over in laughter as he proved his pedigree in this form of song singing Amigos and When Yuh Small, the second enticing a well deserved encore.
De Alberto, accompanied by pan musician/composer/arranger Ray Holman, cuatrista Douglas Bain and Mark Brewster, opened with Kitchener’s Margie followed by Pan Woman, a piece jointly composed by Holman and Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Merchant’s Pan in Danger and his originals Bring Back the Hangman and Rambo.
He obliged cheering patrons with an encore and intermission was announced at 10.30 pm by show host Jennylee.
The power of Ultimate Rejects’ Full Extreme was evident during intermission as when DJ Ahmad played the 2017 Road March almost all patrons got to their feet to dance with hands in the air.
The show was resumed at 11.05 pm with Holman and friends performing Georgia and Pan In Harmony. Up next was 1994 joint national calypso monarch Luta and he continued to impress singing Ghosts, Licenced Firearm and Kaiso Kaiso.
The entrance on stage of Chalkdust at 11.45 am brought the entire audience to its feet as patrons lustily applauded the record-breaking 2017 National Calypso Monarch. Kaiso in the Hospital was the monarch’s first selection of a four-song set.
No More, No More, a song arranged by Errol Ince, who was seated in the audience, was next.
Of his third number, Speaking Frankly, Chalkdust said “many people don’t like this song but I don’t care.”
Chalkdust rounded off his night’s work at 12.25 am with his controversial winning composition Learn From Arithmetic.
He continued celebrating his win through the week mostly with family and close friends climaxing what must have a most hectic week on his 76th birthday on Sunday with a celebration at his Diamond Vale residence in Diego Martin.