Stalin brings back kaiso’s glory days

FORMER Calypso Monarch Black Stalin brought back memories of the glory days of calypso with his sterling performance at Kings Hold Court 2 at the Hilton Trinidad poolside on Saturday night.

Stalin’s repertoire included a stunning rendition of  “Whey I Band” backed by former World Steelband champions TCL Group Skiffle Bunch.  The band out did themselves, showing their dexterity, style and flair. The band from Coffee Street, San Fernando played classical, soca, calypso, bossa nova, religious and rapso music and also provided music for a dance choreographed by Allison Seepaul. Violinist Anslem Walters won well deserved applause when he performed the theme from Titanic “My Heart Will Live On” and “Amparita Roca”. Up next was Miss Trinidad and Tobago Faye Ali-Bocas who joined with popular singer and radio personality Raymond  to perform “All I Ask of You”.

When conductor Ben Jackson walked out on stage there was a feeling that something “big” was going to happen and it did. Skiffle Bunch performed “Ocean Rhapsody” a  Len “Boogsie” Sharpe’s composition that brought back memories of the band’s outstanding performance at the World Steelband Music Festival at the Jean Pierre Complex. Rapso group 3 Canal came on to a tremendous round of applause and performed “Talk Yuh Talk”. Their second song “Blue” received special treatment and sent the audience into a frenzy. Then  Black Stalin was introduced and he did “We Can Make It If We Try”, “Caribbean Man” and “Dorothy”. He then presented his special guest , musician, Roy Cape who played along with the band as Stalin and Twiggy performed “Giving Praises”.

Stalin did ten songs, including “Bun Dem”. Then he joined with Skiffle Bunch to bring the show to a close with “Black Man Feeling To Party”. President of the Republic, Professor Max Richards and First Lady Dr Jean Richards led the list of dignitaries in attendance. Other VIPs included President of the Senate Dr Linda Baboolal, Attorney General Glenda Morean, Community Development Minister Joan Yullie Williams and  Junior Culture Minister Eddie Hart.