a r t i s t : Earl Rodney
t i t l e : Friends & Countrymen
d a t e : 2008
l a b e l : EM (EM1077CD)
g e n r e : Jazz
r l s. d a t e : Oct/2008
t r a c k s : 06
b i t r a t e : VBRkbps
s i z e : 59,2 MB
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As part of EM Records ongoing Steel Pan Series, here is
Friends and Countrymen by Earl Rodney - the first-ever solo
album from a Trinidadian steel pan player. This reissue of the
original 1973 LP, recorded in New York City by Rodney and
fellow expatriate Trinidadians, is a rootsy stew of Caribbean,
Afro-Yoruba and funk influences. Heavy, propulsive and deep,
driven by island percussion and funky bass, peppered by the
imaginative phrasing of steel pan veteran Rodney, with
slatherings of horns and wicked wah-wah guitar, this is a
revolutionary release, fusion in the best sense of the word.
Earl Rodney has been involved with the steel pans almost since
the inception of the instrument, playing since he was 4 years
old. An important voice in Trinidadian music, he arranged and
played in award-winning performances at Trinidad's Panorama
festival in 1968, 1971 and 1972, and served as musical
director for Lord Kitchener and Mighty Sparrow. However,
seeking artistic growth and freedom, he emigrated to the
United States; on Friends And Countrymen you can hear and
enjoy the results. Joining Rodney on this release are a number
of powerhouse veterans from Trinidad including Fortunia Louis
Ruiz on trumpet, trombonist Oxley Caballero, and master
bassist Johnny Cayenne.
Rodney and his countrymen have created a party for you, but
fair warning: stretch and limber up before listening to this
CD; EM Records will not be held responsible for any injuries
incurred whilst busting a move to these supple grooves.
http://www.emrecords.net/
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01-Juck Juck [06:53]
02-Peace Pipe [05:58]
03-Strife in the Village [07:22]
04-Midnight Man (O'Mo'O'Ru) [04:14]
05-Conversation of Love [07:37]
06-Friends & Countrymen [08:20]
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40:24 min