CD Review: Kobo Town's Trinidadian Rumblings On 'Jumbie In The Jukebox'

Kobo Town
Jumbie In The Jukebox
Stonetree/Cumbancha

Canadian transplant and Trinidadian native, Drew Gonsalves, brings us a rousing mix of calypso, reggae, acoustic, and island music rhythms on Jumbie In The Jukebox. There is an element of nostalgic fusion, jazz, lounge, and classical music, which blends perfectly with the calypso and roots percussion and beats. One hip hop and ska-inspired tune, "Postcard Poverty," is a bit punchy, jazzy, and urban overall. Don't worry; it's hip hop for the whole family. There are punchy dancehall tunes, mellow grooves, intelligent lyrics, and dub-influenced sounds that incorporate a bit of everything from Portuguese rhythms, Congolese guitar riffs, Caribbean dance elements, and calypso-roots music. Each tune is different and present something very likable. Anyone interested in calypso-inspired tunes will love Kobo Town's latest offering. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Lord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz' 'Go Calypsonian'

Lord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz
Go Calypsonian
Piranha

Calypso from Germany? You bet. Lord Mouse and The Kalypso Katz are a calypso band from Berlin, Germany. Interestingly, none of the members are from the Caribbean. However, the rhythms are steeped in vintage calypso melodies and influences. The lyrics are in English, but the melodies are rich with Caribbean brilliance. Moreover, there is an element of Latin and Spanish, too. The highly-danceable music is edgy, moving, and inspirational. Calypso fusion is a rather narrow niche genre characterization. Still, Lord Mouse & Company have no problem finding that niche and making it work. A large German fan base will be expanding around the world as the calypso fever catches on. It is impossible to not like this music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Calypso From...Africa?

Various Artists
Marvellous Boy: Calypso From West Africa
Honest Jon's Records

Many of us familiar with calypso music can conjure up images of a lively carnival band amid white sandy beaches, sky-blue ocean waters, and swaying palm trees on an island anywhere in the Caribbean. We would be right, but calypso music extends far east of the Caribbean to the shores of West Africa. Marvellous Boy... is an album that presents us with 1950's calypso music from that region. The musical styles of highlife, jazz, and band music also overlap with the characteristic calypso groove. The calypso tunes on this recording come from the countries of Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria. Some exciting artists, such as Famous Scrubbs, Bobby Benson, Roy Chicago, E.T. Mensah, and others, represent major fixtures in the calypso scene of the 50's. The accessibility of calypso music from Africa should appeal to Caribbean and Latin music fans. Anyone looking for a high-quality, nostalgic release of traditional music will dance a happy beat for the 'marvellous' Marvellous Boy... ~ Matthew Forss