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Calypso and Meringues

Various Artists
Calypso and Meringues Calypso and Meringues, released in 1953, juxtaposes the song traditions of two Caribbean islands: Haiti and Trinidad. The first half of the album presents renowned calypso masters Lord Invader and Macbeth the Great, along with other performers, performing renditions of calypso classics like “Mary Anne” and “Dorothy One Morning.” Versions of lesser-known calypsos appear as well. The second half of the album features Port-au-Prince-based septet, the Jazz Majestic Orchestra, performing four traditional Haitian meringues in a contemporary style. In the liner notes, jazz scholar Frederic Ramsey Jr. provides information on the origins and cultural meaning of calypso. In addition, noted folklorist and song collector Harold Courlander, who recorded the meringues in Haiti, supplies a history of the music and dance.

Track Listing

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101
Carnival Is Bacchanal Lord Caresser 01:54
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102
Mary Anne Lord Invader 02:27
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103
Druscilla Duke of Iron 02:52
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104
Cousin Family Lord Invader 02:23
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105
Dorothy, One Morning Macbeth the Great 02:52
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201
Nous Allons Dodo (We Are Going to Sleep) Jazz Majestic Orchestra 01:37
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202
Trois Fois Trois (Three Times Three) Jazz Majestic Orchestra 02:37
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203
Angélique, Oh (Angelica, Oh) Jazz Majestic Orchestra 03:09
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204
Ménage Qui Belle (Beautiful Sweetheart) Jazz Majestic Orchestra 03:34