In my opinion ,the most difficult sub genre of calypso music is political commentary. The composition has to be intelligent , witty and humorous, without neglecting the basic elements of good calypso , which are good rhyme and great rhythm. The calypsonian must be informative and topical,expressing a viewpoint without being boring or preachy. And his music must be real ,sweet , calypso music. Over the years , the undisputed master of this genre has been teacher/historian/calypsonian Dr. Hollis Liverpool , the Mighty Chalkdust. One does not have to agree with, or in many cases even understand the politics of his compositions to appreciate the mans genius. Whenever the calypso art-form is seriously studied , his work should be used as templates as to the structure and delivery of a /sociopolitical commentary calypso. Here is a great example of Chalkdust at his best. From 1989, here is a Frankie McIntosh arrangement of Chauffeur Wanted ( The Driver cannot drive)
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 07:19:20 +0000
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