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Nestled in the Port of Spain, the Tom Charles, Fitz Vaughn Bryan, Johnny Gomez and Clarence Curvan Orchestras as well as the Vin Cardinal Combo provide alternatively upbeat and sultry grooves for... more

"High in the Andes, in Quito, Ecuador's most popular singers Gonzalo Benetez and Alberto Valencia combine voices with guitar to sing sultry romance of the Andes, direct from Quito" Perry H. Culley... more

With clarinetist Sid Davilla, Freddie Kohlman's Band blows some swingin' Dixieland jazz at the Mardi Gras Lounge in New Orleans. This is a highly energetic groove with irresistible instrumental solos... more

For this Cook recording, the Brute Force Steel Band of Antigua performs mambos, rumbas, sambas, calypsos and meringues plus a march and a bolero. A Trinidadian / Tobagan innovation that came out of... more

In the streets of Antigua shortly following WWII, the Brute Force Steel Band began as one of the ensembles that would pioneer Caribbean steel pan music. These calypsos, meringues, sambas, tangos and... more

Saucy, ballsy, outspoken, yes, but not exactly an "atrocity." Pay close attention to these calypso lyrics by Small Island Pride and Mighty Cypher.

Juxtaposing the musical talents of vocalists Bomber, Wrangler, Killer and Small Island Pride, the art of the 1950s Trinidadian calypso resonates on this recording. These witty songs provide a lesson... more

If, after perusing the liner notes, the calypso on this compilation "still remains barren of meaning for the gentle listener, he is either blind, deaf, dead, or just a terribly mixed-up kid-what the... more

This is not the glossy, occasionally dross calypso that entertains tourists or wins Calypso King competitions. It is more rustic in flavor, speaks more to non-urban audiences and is accompanied only... more

In a tent somewhere in Port of Spain, calypso kings of past years gather to exchange extemporaneous lyrical insults, just like a game of ping pong. The result is highly amusing, highly enlightening... more

The scene: A late-nite party in Laredo, Texas; Plaza Hotel. The players: foremost, legendary jazz pianist Red Camp, with sidekick trumpeter Dude Skiles; in the background, close friends of the... more

One early morning, way past midnight, Pianist Red Camp engaged himself in a one-person jam session... on a clavichord. The delicate, 14th century instrument is more likely to be associated with... more

Jimmy Carroll arranged and conducted this assortment of high-impact percussion ensembles. Nine percussionists congregated to play orchestra bells, pitched drums, cowbells, vibraphone, brake drum,... more

Headliners at Carnival and pan competitions, these six champion steel bands from Trinidad offer listeners songs that hum gently or dance wildly. Participating ensembles are the Katzenjammers, the... more

Polished off with a saucy French Creole chorus, Queen Mother of the Rue Royale Ms. Lizzie Miles treats you to the lustiest "All of Me" you'll ever hear. Tony Costa of the Parisian Room Band... more

Hardly "primitive," this is sophisticated jazz improv "with the Trinidad touch." the musical settings range from smooth lounge jazz with vibes, piano, bass, and drums to funky importations of... more

Ready for a little "Mambo Chop Suey" with Rupert Clemendore's Latin jazz combo? This group presents the sophisticated sounds of Trinidad, featuring tenor sax, vibes and piano, plus some experimental... more

Emory Cook gives listeners a tour of high fidelity recording, demonstrating techniques that enhance the sound quality and using musical performances, orations and sound effects to make his points.

He is somewhat of an enigma to the Oaxacans. Senor Cruz apparently sings for pleasure rather than for profit. Once a week he comes to the portals or sidewalk cafe that borders the city square and... more

According to the liner notes, "Calypso is... a humor-coated pellet of un-camouflaged truth... taking the opportunity of saying something to somebody in song that you couldn't say in polite society...... more

K.C. Douglas was a self-designed musician, never acknowledged as a professional. Still, his music effectively addressed the concerns of many living in the South-women, money and cars-and he used a... more

This recording of hand drumming from Port of Spain demonstrates African-derived rhythms performed in Trinidad and the broader Caribbean region, including the nation, koromanti, manding, halicord,... more

Who first invented the meringue has long been a battle of pride for Haitians and Dominicans. While this recording alone cannot provide the decisive answer, it does prove that the lively dance form is... more

In the 1950s, steel pan and calypso, imported from Trinidad and Tobago, were hot in Bermuda. Lloyd Simmons and Hubert Smith, Jr.. sing calypso with the acclaimed Esso Steel Band in this early... more

One of the most recorded organists in history, Reginald Foort performs sentimental favorites from the 1950s on the legendary Wurlitzer at the Mosque Theatre in Richmond, Virginia. "Mood Indigo,"... more