The sounds and songs of Carnival 2011 are beginning to hit the airwaves. Songs crafted for the pan are coming fast and furious. I understand the eagerly-awaited compilation by Alvin Daniell has been launched, and will be available in record shops soon. I got my hands on a copy of Alston Jack's Bamboo Man, a song that pays tribute to the forerunner of the panmen. The song by the Brooklyn-based pannist/musician is quite musically brilliant and features the skills of Sir Frankie Mc Intosh (keyboards); Debbie Haynes (back-up vocals); Winston Theobald (percussion); John Evans (engineering) and Jack on the steelpan.
Keith "Designer" Prescott does a fantastic job on this jazz-flavoured presentation, composed by Samantha and Chris Jack. The famed pannist, also Brooklyn-based, Jason "Peanuts" Isaac is back again with Ruction, sung by the energetic Olatunji Yearwood. Peanuts and great music go hand in hand, and he's gone for the best in the business. Natalie Yorke (back-up vocals); Frankie Mc Intosh (keyboards); Sly (guitar) and the bass lines done by Peanuts himself. Carl "Beaver" Henderson (mixing) and Mice Raymond (mastering) complete the all-star cast. Mr Muzik likes both songs, Bamboo Man and Ruction.
Miguel's simplistic Melody
Talking about compilation, Miguel Reyes, a Brooklyn-based songwriter/producer of Bandolero fame, is in the process of putting his 2011 offering together, called Simplistic Melody. Reyes, the son of late cultural researcher, Elma Reyes, said the compilation would feature ten songs, all written by him. Tunapuna Scanty and Keith "Designer" Prescott will feature prominently on the CD.
Massive Gosein jumps the gun
On the soca chutney front, Nirmal "Massive" Gosein has jumped the gun with a massive hit called The Return of Indrani. This song is sure to put Massive in the Carnival mix. It's a skilful representation of the Lord Shorty (Ras Shorty I) hit called Indrani, produced by Kenny Phillip. I like this chutney song immensely, and could only hope that the controversial Massive Gosein be given a fair roll of the deejay's dice.