 |
It was fifty-one years ago that Harry Belafonte gave us the wonderful collection of eleven traditionally-based melodies of the English-speaking Caribbean Islands---a collection known simply as "Calypso". The original LP enjoyed a unique stature for two reasons. First,it truly introduced mainland Americans to this style of music which really had its origins at the turn of the twentieth century. Secondly,the album enjoyed such grand-scale popularity that "Calypso" became the first album recorded by a single artist to sell one million copies. The craze that "Calypso" became in the fifties as both an album and as a music genre made Belafonte a star. I own the original 1956 Columbia LP produced by RCA,and this CD is an exact duplication in every way,save for the digital mastering that was engineered in 1992 to enhance the sound. All eleven songs,the fashionable cover sketch of the singer,as well as the introductory notes accompanying the CD by novelist/tv scriptwriter William Attaway are exactly the same as offered on the original LP. It is not at all surprising that this album launched the 50's calypso craze. Simply stated,the music was unique and pure fun. It offered a wonderful rhythm with the sounds of the guitar,drums,and the tin penny whistle(a flute-like instrument). Additionally,Tony Scott's orchestra offered musical support. And,of course,Belafonte's voice at times behaved like yet another instrument. This is not to suggest,however,that the music saw its heyday and died,although its popularity waned as it gave way to raggae,R&B,rapso,soca,and hip-hop. But there are yet many contemporary devotees to calypso melody and lyric. Belafonte offers us songs that reflect the Jamaican male concerns of years back---the labor in the fields,the love of one's woman,the enjoyment of the drink of rum. His "Calypso" is infused with the calypso English dialect that is so smart and appealing,and it is occasionally a bit racy and risque,most especially for its time on a commercial scale. "Day-O" and "Star-O" tell of the banana field laborer who waits for daylight or starlight to appear. These welcome signs allow him the privilege of leaving work for the day,as soon as Mr. Tallyman has counted his banana bunches. "Come tally me banana." "I Do Adore Her" and "Come Back Liza" speak of lost loves. "I believe that I do adore her. Hang my heart on my sleeve just for her." "Everytime I'm away from Liza water come to me eye." And in a similar vein,"Jamaica Farewell", with its beautiful but sad guitar, strums "My heart is down;my head is turning around;I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town." The controversial lyrics found in "Brown Skin Girl" and "Man Smart(Woman Smarter)" are actually rooted in the basic political commentary and satire that were a part of original calypso. "The Americans made an invasion. We thought it was a help in the island until they left here on a vacation. They left the native boy home to mind their children." And "Samson was the strongest man long ago. No one could beat him as we all know---until he clashed with Delilah on top of the bed. She told him all the strength was in the hair of his head." Buy this unique CD for a spirited and rhythmical journey into English- speaking Caribbean heritage. You'll find your voice becoming almost instumental as you mouth the words with the gifted Harry Belafonte.Read full review
We sang many of these Caribbean songs in a Caribbean show to make money for the Wounded Warrior Project - great fun for chorus and audience! Dinner show. The fast tunes are very happy and have some funny lyrics, while the ballads are so soul- stirring! Harry Belafonte's voice is so great and he shares these songs with his natural Caribbean flair! These songs and his voice are not diminished over time - still as great today as they were in the 1960's! Bring back fond memories and teach the songs and love of the Caribbean beat and sound to our new generations! Our show audience was clapping, singing and dancing along in total merriment! The CD sound is better today than the recorded album sounded back when. If you remember the music, buy it and relive it - if you don't know the music, and like the Caribbean sound, buy it and "shake, shake shake your body!"Read full review
No scratches, great sound. My husband has favorite songs and plays over and over. Arrived quickly for Father's Day gift.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Briefly, this is an old favorite I used to play frequently on vinyl, finally bought the CD so I can enjoy it in my car. Excellent album, all the songs are fine listening!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Enjoyed this album very much. Great calypso music.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in CDs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on CDs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
