The Original De Fosto Himself (Winston Scarborough) is in a Palace State of Mind. Incidentally, that's the title of his 2010 12-track CD. As usual, De Fosto gets bonus points for his presentation. I always like it when a CD is well presented. This CD, by the man folks call the "Pan Messiah", overflows with creativity and great music.
The songs come at you with machine gun fire. In A Palace State of Mind is a brilliant social commentary, while De Flag Hunter, though mischievous, is in the double entendre mode. The Duke of Calypso pays homage to one of calypso's fallen soldiers, The Mighty Duke (Kelvin Pope), who passed away last year. No De Fosto CD would be complete without compositions for the pan, and they are in abundance on this CD.
There are Pan On Fire, When Steel Talks and Smooth Sailing. De Fosto is well-known for penning a calypso in a flash on events as they happen. And his All For Obama fits the bill. There are four instrumentals on this CD: De Flag Hunter, Pan on Fire, Smooth Sailing and In A Palace State of Mind (which is also done in a capella style). Junior "Ibo" Joseph, of Dread Studio, and De Fosto have combined their arranging skills on this CD, which is quite entertaining. It is another well-produced gem by De Fosto. Congratulations.
Baisden's sweet pelau of songs
Call her the little darling of calypso. Khalifa Baisden is back, stronger than ever for 2010. Her new CD, Love Bridge T&T 2010, is quite an interesting pelau of songs. The song Pied Piper, written by Gregory Ballantyne, is beautiful. Tears of a Child, The Humpty Dumpty Song, Mousee (Tantee), plus their instrumental versions, make up this eight-track CD.
Baisden, who has been singing since age five, has done well in calypso. The high point so far, has been a finalist berth in the 2009 National Junior Monarch Competition. Again, Junior "Ibo" Joseph figures prominently as arranger, while dad, James Baisden, is executive producer. Some of the big names in music are featured on this CD. They are Curtis Lewis, Patrick Spicer, Michael Lindsay and Jason Bishop.
