David Rudder and his star-studded roster of guests gave fans a euphoric time Under the Trees at The Normandie in St Ann's last Friday. Early on, Rudder told the audience, mostly seated in plastic chairs on the lawn, that he expected them to be on their feet and dancing by the end of the show: "you can sit if you like, but...you have permission to mash up the place!"His prediction proved right. The show, with Rudder in full concert and several top calypso stars making appearances, created waves of enjoyment, climaxing in a memorable rendition of a Caribbean cricket anthem that brought the headline act down into the crowd.Former National Calypso Monarch Luta started things off, backed by Wayne Bruno & Rapid Response, with kaiso classics Drunk and Disorderly (Sparrow) and Sugar Bum-Bum (Kitchener).
Rudder, who rose to calypso stardom in the early 80s, as frontline singer for Charlie's Roots, performed songs from across the span of his career. He began with his most recent offering-Lock Down -which takes on the recent state of emergency in T&T in his trademark satirical style.Permission to Mash Up the Place and Ministry of Rhythm were next, after which he took the time to note that he was feeling just fine-alluding to recent rumours of his demise, a phenomenon he said occurs every Carnival.Strains of Oil and Music heralded the arrival of Machel Montano, and members of the audience started shouting his name. The two gave an entertaining performance of the duet, Machel saluting his senior and thanking him for having him on the show.Formalities out of the way, Montano took off his jacket and launched into 2012 hits Vibes Can't Done and Mr Fete. Many left their seats to come up front and "get on bad."Just when they were ready to go back to their seats, once the triple title champ was done, Shadow came on to keep the party going.
Shadow didn't leave the dancing to them either, he shook a leg as well. His set included Bassman, Pay the Devil and Stranger, bringing the first half to a close.The vibes were really nice by this time and when Rudder returned to the stage he said he would make the event an annual Friday-after-Carnival event: Feel Good Friday.He introduced poet Muhammed Muwakil, who performed a well-received piece on urban life-4 am.In golden curls and silver sequins, Destra came next. She had to really work for her love-her first couple of songs (Wha Yuh Want and I Feel Like Wukkin) didn't really get the audience dancing again. She started I Dare You, daring any man from the audience to come on. Just when it seemed nobody would, one brave man did, taking off his shirt and showing off on stage.That got the crowd in the mood and her Bonny and Clyde and It's Carnival were met with lots of jumping and waving.Rudder came back with a long string of his hits, including Bahia Girl, Bacchanal Lady, Nuff Respect, I'd Rather Be in Trinidad, Trini to the Bone, Engine Room, The Hammer and Dus in They Face.
Many in the crowd had abandoned their seats by this time, some singing along with eyes closed and swaying with arms in the air.Black Stalin had an easy time with them, singing This Party Can't Done and Black Man Feeling to Party to much applause.Rudder teased the crowd with a verse and chorus of his Charlie's Roots hit, Jump Up, before starting Rally Round the West Indies. One cricket fan in the crowd started shouting the names of current West Indies cricketers, prompting Rudder to say with a laugh: "You must be the last die-hard fan."He took the mic down to the crowd, finding the man in the middle of the lawn. He gave him the mic and fed him the lines to the second verse. The fan delivered it passionately, inspiring shouts and applause from all gathered around. It was a special moment, a highlight of the night.Rudder brought it home with High Mas, with the patrons happy to have him in their midst. If Rudder really does stage this show again next year, it will be one no fan of his should miss.
