EBONY IMPRESSES AT KLASSIC RUSO OPENING

Brother Ebony (Fitzroy Joseph) brilliantly showcased two outstanding compositions at the opening of Klassic Ruso at the Mas Camp Pub in Woodbrook, last Tuesday night. “Mr Writer” and “Criminals Like Bush” issued a clear statement about Ebony’s talent as a master lyricist and tunesmith, and earned him two well-deserved encores. Ironically, “Mr Writer” contains a heavy dose of sarcasm, as the singer claims that for him to “go to the Savannah” (finals of the National Calypso Monarch Competition), it seemed as if he would have to hire a songwriter to compose a song for him. It was songwriters, he claimed who had “Sandra and Denyse driving cars today.”

“Criminals Like Bush” is a clever composition that uses the vernacular “like bush” to drive home the point being made in the song that among the world’s biggest criminals are leaders who invade other countries for gain. In Ebony’s words, the world is full of “criminals like bush.” The tent, operated by the north zone of Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), is dedicating its 2004 season to veteran Calypsonian Composer (Fred Mitchell) for his contribution to the art form over the years. A commemorative plaque was presented to Composer by chairman of the zone Hamidullah Wahid. As in previous years, Klassic Ruso offered patrons a number of quality calypsoes. Among them were Almanac’s (Anthony Francis) “One For Aneisha,” Alicia McKenzie’s “Gang Related,” and Shereen Caesar’s “Lost Ones,” a song that took her to third place in the finals of this year’s Stars of Tomorrow contest.

Bro Akil was also outstanding with a rhythmic, melodious composition titled “Carnival Unity,” while Versatile cleverly used the reggae beat to complement sound lyrics in a thought-provoking song titled “Teenage Pregnancy.” Disciple’s “Interest On Delay” grabbed the attention, as did Alicia Gift’s “Domino Question,” but Revealer’s “Allied Forces” seemed to be a work in progress. The message in Stanley Adams’ “Pay With Wood” was lost due to poor microphone technique, while Kassman’s “Welcome Home” happily exposed the “party” side of the competent composer. Hamidullah’s two contributions were titled “Marjorie’s Point Of View” and “Father,” and “daddy of the tent” Allrounder gave another flawless and stylish performance in presenting his two songs “Black Man Get Serious” and “Jai Lie.” The outfit-changing show host Hot Foot may have encouraged the audience to make constant comments about the range and colour of his extensive wardrobe, but was very efficient in carrying out his duties. Musical accompaniment was provided by Earl Caruth and the Klassic Ruso All Stars.