Fans of live local music know Marva Newton as a talented guitarist often seen backing up other performers. On June 30 she stepped out from the background for the first public performance of her own new band, Kairi Kaiso, at the latest edition of the Candlelight Series at Drink Wine Bar in Woodbrook. The band played a repertoire of vintage kaiso classics, to the enjoyment of an audience of calypso lovers who sang along and showed their support."I am usually in the back," said Newton, explaining that the new band was the expression of something that had been "bubbling inside for a lot of years."
Onstage alongside Newton were Patrick Govia, who she said was her first guitar teacher; her sister, Dawn Newton Cooper on background vocals; James Fenton on congas; and Anthony Rose on steelpan. The musicians started off with well loved-songs like the appropriate Bring Them Back by Relator, and Melody's Jonah, with the crowd answering "Yes Pa, no, Pa." Then Newton introduced the first of several guests for the evening, vintage kaiso specialist, David Bereau. Bereau, in his trademark 'stingy-brim' hat, gave entertaining renditions of Nelson's King Liar and Spoiler's Bed Bug. He told the audience that Kairi Kaiso was a welcome addition to the slate of vintage calypso performers in T&T. Next, Newton brought on 30-year kaiso veteran Short Pants, who really impressed with his wit and skill.
His set included his 1984 song, Invasion, which discussed cultural and economic imperialism, and The Infidel, which won him the 2010 Humorous Calypso title, taking on Tiger Woods' extra-marital dalliances. Short Pants had the crowd laughing and rode the line of political correctness, singing on the famous golfer's balls, and his skill with strokes and holes. Short pants then recited two of his works without music, showing his poetic prowess.He delivered Ah Pushin, about his decision to impart calypso craft to his children-also noting that his daughter, Heather Mc Intosh, is this year's Calypso Queen. The 2011 Talkalypso King did another piece, suggesting that the success of T&T football was thwarted because, unlike other countries, our team members' names do not rhyme.
After Short Pants' set, Newton introduced yet another guest, saxophonist Anthony Woodroofe. The band joined him for jazzy renditions of Benjai's Trini and Nelson's Meh Lover.The band took a break, then came back with more calypso covers, and one original composition: They Too Rude.They played Francine's Run Away and Spoiler's Went to College, followed by a medley of hits, with the audience singing along all the way.The set included Jean and Dinah, Melda, Drunk and Disorderly and The Lizard from Sparrow; The Road Make to Walk, by Lord Kitchener; Rose's Fire Fire, Melody's Mama Look a Boo-Boo; Rudder's Bahia Girl and more. The Candlelight series continues on July 28 with Ozy Majiq in concert.