Ralph Mac Donald’s last hurrah

The late Ralph Mac Donald has left us a rich legacy of songs; now add his latest 12-song CD Generations/We Are Family to the collection.

Brilliant. Now, if you know Ralph you would know his name is associated with quality, class and perfection. And his work, over the years, reminds me of my grandma’s saying—if it’s worth doing, it is worth doing well. This CD employs talents like lentil peas. There is the famed Roberta Flack, pannist Robert Greenidge, Tom Scott and Etienne Charles, among a slew of top-class musicians, plus the songwriting talents of William Eaton, William Salter, good ole Ralph and sons Atiba and Anthony. Twelve beautiful songs jump out of the musical document, some backed by the rhythmic percussive feel of Ralph. Roberta sings the theme song of the CD, Generations/We Are Family in her mournful, soulful style. The pulse of the CD quickens with Macbeth (my favourite) with pannist (called steel drummer) Robert Greenidge sugar-hand stylings. 

 

 

The songs, a combination of voice and instrumentals, with interesting names as Cavern, Bamboo Garden, Life House, Nature and Liberty, touch on a range of topics including love. The classic Tradewinds, vocalised by Nadirah Shakoor, puts the lid on this entertaining CD, that Mr Muzik understands was in train before Ralph’s untimely death. Generations/We Are Family achieves two objectives. While reminding us of Ralph’s musical brilliance and songwriting skills, it introduces Anthony and Atiba, who I am sure will carry on the great work of patriot Ralph Mc Donald.  Ralph’s love for his native land, T&T, knew no boundaries. The steelpan and percussion were his passions.

For more information on this CD and how to obtain it, visit www.ralphmacdonald.com