True Trinidad calypso functions as a kind of island gossip sheet, a musical commentary on the daily goings-on, and, at its best, it blossoms into powerful political satire, not to mention the fact that you can dance to it.
Slinger Francisco, better known as
Mighty Sparrow, is the foremost purveyor of this fascinating genre, and his canon is expansive, with over 70 albums to his credit. From the release of his first record, "Jean and Dinah," a 1956 song about the effect of closing an American air base on Trinidad's prostitutes,
Mighty Sparrow commanded center stage. His songs feature strong melodies, rhythmic energy, and sharp and humorous lyrics, all framed by busy arrangements of exuberant horns, deep bass, rattling percussion, and all manner of bells, whistles, shouts, and squeals. Highlights on this collection of early material include "Bad Johns," "Sweetman," and "The Rebel." ~ Steve Leggett