On De Scene: Spice and Co. alive again in Barbados!

Soca world

Good morning I am still mentally in a congaline.... And Bump and Wining.

After 15 years one of the most greatest Caribbean Bands of all time took the stage for one night only in a venue in Barbados that has not hosted an event for over 35 years.

Spice & Co took to the stage last night to give their fans a proper 2 hour show with just some of their hits.

It was easily one of the top 3 shows I have even been to in Barbados. The crowd was in it from the start of the show Spice showed their versatility performing their track which range from rock to soca and reggae. 2 of the earlier crowd pleasers were their hit Rasta man was one of the crowd favourites along with 'Guns'. Their performance of 'Guns' started from the back of the crowd with the Barbados defense force band marching through the crowd and onto the stage playing the tune ... 'too many guns in this town...'

You know let me tell you the crowd was massive and from all walks of life in Barbados. They were all there to see a band that from my understanding n the 80's were performing just their own tracks and touring extensively. Back together for 1 night only.

Tell me which artiste opened for them? Do you know? That's right no one.
I had the pleasure of jumping into the crowd with the Mr Selwyne 'Get Bizi' Browne and cameras of Caribfyah.com. With the mic in my hand I was able to hear the sheer energy of the individuals in the crowd show came out to see spice. I tell you it was a real pleasure to have these happy patrons screaming and begging for some video light to express how much they loved spice.

Ok so some of you are thinking who the hell is Spice?
Well I know you know them because you know "bump and wine in de congaline" !!

I have not seen a longer congaline in my life! Personally I would have loved another 30 mins of just "bump and wine" but alas ...

The night ended with a major fireworks display the sent the last goose bumps through my spine.

All I can say is
Spice!
--
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device.

Corey Graham 2.0

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Haiti Barbados Loves You - Relief Concert And Telethon At Farley Hill

Oye Karen,

Hear wha gine on! Listen i just get back in from a lil press conference dey ya onstan. Oh listen aint tell me that you going to add all these people to my conversation alrite so listen people.

I IZ A BAJAN and proud today to be that for sure because the entertainment & Media community of Barbados is pooling its to put on a Concert and Telethon for your neighbour Haiti. The show will feature 114 Bajan Artistes and 1 Foreign act. The foreign act being David Rudder invited because of his song "Haiti I am Sorry". All artiste are performing for free. Of course now every artiste is on the stage but they are encouraged to come out and man the telephones or make appearances on the live broadcast on Radio and TV. This broadcast will be made available to the world through your traditional networks and the internet - more information on this to come!

Haiti Barbados Loves You - Relief Concert And Telethon At Farley Hill

With a ticket price of $10 BDS - 5 US the Barbados Public is being asked to purchase as many tickets as they can even if they don't intend to attend the event.

Saturday January 30

10 am - 8 pm

114 Artistes

7 Bands

1 regional artiste

Special Guest

• David Rudder

Calypso / Soca

• Adrian Clarke
• Allan Sheppard
• Colin Spencer
• Edwin Yearwood
• Gabby
• Grynner
• John King
• Khiomal
• Little Rick
• Mikey
• Mr. Dale
• Natalee
• RPB
• Merrymen

Gospel

• Allison Norville
• De Warrior
• Hozia Hinds
• Kareem Clarke
• Lillian Lorde
• Mya Daniel
• Paula Hinds
• Shane Forrester
• Sister Marshall

 R&B / Other Alternative

• Carolyn Leacock
• Dwayne Husbands
• Kellie Cadogan
• Kirk Browne & Strategy
• Omar McQuilkin
• Philip 7
• Ria Borman
• Richard Stoute
• Rosie Hunte
• RubyTech
• TC
• Toni Norville

Spouge

• Kirtorah
• Mike Grosvenor
• Mike Thompson
• Tony Grazette

Jazz

• Arturo Tappin
• Malissa Lindsay
• Nicholas Brancker

Reggae / Dancehall

• Albert Olton
• Brimstone
• Buggy
• Danielle
• Fully Loaded
• LRG
• Oracle
• Prosperity
• Ras Al-I
• Seth Billy
• Super Ruben
• Tabitha
• Black-Clay-Soil

MCs

• Ferdinand Nicholls
• Peter Coppin
• Admiral Nelson
• Jamar Browne
• Mac Fingall

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Booster Shot: "Staggerah" video shoot tonight

Fadda Fox has a long night ahead of him as the Monstapiece family prepares to shoot the "Staggerah" video this evening in Barbados.  The spot will be Ship Inn on the St. Lawrence Gap.  The public is invited to come out tonight to join in to the club scenes.

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen
Follow me on Twitter!

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Booster Shot: Barbados Music Awards this Sunday!

The island of Barbados will be honouring its top achievers in the field of music this Sunday, January 10th at the 5th annual Barbados Music Awards. While I've personally never attended the event myself, many of my Bajan contacts have not hesitated to express a few choice words about favouritism and bias that seems to be present in most Caribbean awards gala's these days. Produced by Who's to say if that's the case here, but I still applaud the organizers for staging a top quality event that does much to celebrate an emerging industry that nurtures creative persons in a vast array of genres and disciplines. For a nation of fewer than 300,000 inhabitants, Barbados has endless reasons to feel proud when it comes to music.

The night proves to be a good show with performances from  Edwin Yearwood, Livvi Franc, Jaiko, TC and Ruby Tech.

Boasting international success in Pop with Rihanna, and now Shontelle, in Gospel with Joseph Niles, in Jazz with Arturo Tappin, and soca with the likes of Alison Hinds and Rupee, the musical heritage of Barbados is proud.

Where soca and calypso are concerned, here are your nominees:

SOCA UP-TEMPO SINGLE
Edwin Yearwood - In De Middle A De Road
Mikey - I in Dat
Timmy - Tim De Tool Man

Soca Mid-Tempo Single (Male)
Blood – Back It Up
Mikey – I In Dat
RPB – Something’s Happening

Soca Mid- Tempo Single (Female)
Alison Hinds – Chocolate and Vanilla
Natahlee – What We Do
TC – Hot Sun and Rhythm

Best Social Commentary
John King – My Caribbean
RPB – Home Drums
Sheldon Hope – Last Days

Best Collaboration
Alison Hinds & Richie Spice – King and Queen
Ayana John & Elephant Man – Pose
Kirk Brown, Justin King & Tejay – Shawty Get Low

Song of the Year
Edwin Yearwood – In De Middle A De Road
RPB – Something’s Happening
Shontelle – Battle Cry

Album of the Year (Artist / Group)
Ayana John – Ayana John
Krosfyah – Kings of the Groove
Shontelle – Shontelligence

Album of the Year (Compilation)
Monsta Piece – AWOL
Tone Deaf Studios – Chaos
Various – Soca Tite Choonz

Producer of the Year
Anderson “Blood” Armstrong
KB Sharp
Peter Coppin

Songwriter of the Year
Edwin Yearwood
Mr. Dale
RPB

Backing Vocalist of the Year
Indra Rudder
Lisa Howell
Ria Borman

Soca Artist of the Year
TC
RPB
Edwin Yearwood

Band/Group of the Year
Krosfyah
Strategy
Fully Loaded

Entertainer of the Year (Male)
Edwin Yearwood
Kirk Brown
RPB
Blood
Buggy

Entertainer of the Year (Female)
Alison Hinds
Shontelle
Rihanna
Ayana John
TC

Song of the Decade
Rupee – Tempted To Touch
Edwin and Khiomal – Sak Passe
Biggie Irie – Nah Going Home
Alison Hinds – Roll
Rihanna – Umbrella

Band/Group of the Decade
Krosfyah
Strategy
Massala
Fully Loaded
The Merrymen

Entertainer of the Decade (Male)
Edwin Yearwood
RPB
Rupee
Anderson “Blood” Armstrong
L’il Rick

Entertainer of the Decade (Female)
Alison Hinds
Rihanna
Toni Norville
TC
Natahlee

2010 BMA Honourees
Cornerstone Awards
Arturo Valentino
JoAnne Sealy
Andrea Gollop- Greenidge
ANTHONY BRYAN
Natahlee
Herring
Biggie Irie
John Sealy
John Roett
Tony Thompson

Lifetime Achievement Award
Tony Hoyos
Living Legend
Marvo Manning
BMA Award of Excellence
Terencia “TC” Coward
The 5th anniversary awards gala will feature a special tribute to the late Michael Jackson (who boasts no Barbadian heritage from all reports). Tickets can be purchased right up until Sunday at 7pm for a cool $200 BBD, that's $100 US for a seat in the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium.

If you end up going, lemme know how it goes down!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

For more information on the Barbados Music Awards, check out www.goldcoastrecords.com

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The Rounds: Happy Independence Day Barbados, etc!

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy. (Sundays from 6pm - 9pm ET)

In this Edition:

Machel Montano's recent and upcoming music releases - Trinidad and Tobago

Supa Jigga TC presents "The Template" soca mixtape - Trinidad and Tobago

Barbados 43rd Anniversary of Independence - Barbados

Lil Rick's Birthday - Barbados

Qpid's Birthday - St. Lucia

Ms Alysha and Michelle Sylvester's Birthday - Trinidad and Tobago

Good evening soca lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.  The true soca junkies on the outside know we're in that special little calm before the storm.  Since summer, isolated showers of soca releases have been whetting your appetite for carnival.  But when the Calendars change from november to December, the heaven's open and down comes and outpouring of blessings from every studio in T&T.  It's all about new music babies.....right in time for the holidays.  I mentioned last week, that Machel Montano  turned 35 on the 24th.  To celebrate his big day, he released a wee sample of what he's working on, now that the performance pressure is off his back for the upcoming carnival season.  There's a new tune out called "Hot Like Pepper" featuring Serani.  The reviews have been mixed.  Maybe because it's a dancehall tune or maybe because Serani sounds like a creaky door.  I dunno...das what de people saying!

          Anyhoooo....Machel is saying he's got a couple other tracks coming soon.  One is a collabo with Vincy Soca Monarch, Skinny Fabulous and there's a next one with Krystal Kane from  Trinidad. I'll keep you posted.

         When it comes to new  music, there's nobody better than Dr. Jay to fix you up with the hottest releases to flood our inboxes this week.  Stay tuned to Soca Therapy and that's just what you'll get.

            But I personally have been waiting with baited breath for a new soca mixtape that Super Jigga TC has been hyping up to me for the past few months. The term mixtape has long been a vital part of every hip hop head's vocabulary.  But for the rest of you, allow me to take you to school.      A mixtape is not an audio cassette, and generally speaking the music need not even be mixed together by a DJ.  Simply put - it's a promotional compilation of songs to be released to the public free of charge.  It's all about getting people to feel a vibe, and hopefully support those artists with that CASH MONEY when it's showtime. TC released the title track, THE TEMPLATE on Thursday in Trinidad, but you can also look forward to releases from  Shurwayne Winchester, Tony Matterhorn, Iwer George, Skinny Fabulous and Terri Lyons.  In a couple weeks, fans in Trinidad will be able to pick up free copies at local hot spots.

          This Monday,  Barbados is celebrating 43 years of independence from British rule. The London soca massive celebrated with a big show featuring; Peter Ram, Biggie Irie, UK act, Miss Desire and veteran Grynner.  

          Before I go, I wanna send belated birthday greetings to some November  soca babies I missed last week. Another proud Barbadian, Hypa Dog Lil Rick rang in his new year with a pool party in Barbados last weekend.  How inviting does that sound?
           B-day big ups also go out to Ragga Soca Diva Miss Alysha and former Groovy Soca Monarch of T&T, Michelle Sylvester. 

As if that wasn't a long enough round up of celebrating Sag's, today we are celebrating the birthday of one of St. Lucia's leading ladies of soca, Qpid!
      I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For more up to date soca news, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me “NurseKaren” on Twitter.  Now, back to de docta!

Photos:
* Machel Montano and me in Miami (October 2008)
* TC and me in Toronto (February 2009)
* Lil Rick and me in Barbados (July 2009)
* Qpid and me in St. Lucia (July 2008)

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Booster Shot: Demarco to Remix "She Can't Wait" with Machel Montano HD

CG 2.0 interviewing Machel Montano in Barbados

Girl Karen, you know what i just hear? 

Yes, yes I saw you had a blast in Miami. Next year someone should take me to Miami!

Its been a while since my last post. Crop Over 2009 feels a bit like a distant memory now, and I'm looking forward to Christmas with all the goodwill in the air and without a shortage of food and alcohol. lol.

After christmas there is Trinidad Carnival 2010 - need I say more?

People I have come across some very interesting information along the way. Demarco is going to be remixing his "soca influenced" dancehall  tune "She Can't Wait", featuring Machel Montano HD. We have 'Hot Wuk', "Bend Ova' and 'Dutty Wined' till our hearts content on several soca influenced dancehall tracks. It's interesting that we are actually going to see a major hit remixed featuring a top soca act. Demarco's "She Can't Wait" debuted last week at #4 on the BoomTribe Caribbean Top 10 Countdown, here in Barbados.  Who knows what it can do for this track to have Machel Montano jump on just a few months before Trinidad. Time will tell.

So far that is all I've got. I am told that the track is being mixed and mastered and will hit the streets of the Caribbean Next week!

I wonder now if Soca and Dancehall have officially signed a peace treaty and we can move beyond some of our differences and maybe start to label a new genre of music ingenious to the Caribbean.

Corey Graham 2.0

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Nard!!!

It would just not be right for me to continue my day without sending "formal" birthday greetings to Justin Ward aka Nard! Bajans know him as the comedic character who graces the stage in high-waisted pants and a 70's-style afro hairstyle. Think soca Steve Erkel.

The rest of us haven't had too many opportunities to see his crazy jukking and dancing live, but you must remember tunes like "Tempo" from 2007, and this year's "Blame it on the Cup". Always full of energy and good humour.

A few minutes after midnight the birthday boy exclaimed on twitter, "hmm...bin 21 years old for 30mins so far...feels the same way to me."  That upset me a little.  It's the man's birthday.  It's supposed to feel fun and carefree... So if you're reading this from Barbados, could you do me a favour and do something about that, please?

Should you need any pointers about the vibe we going for, allow me to take you back to Cohobblopot 2008. Check out Nard's performance of "Soca Aerobics".




Happy Birthday Nard! Have a great one. Hope you enjoy this lil public b-day card, plus a couple extra twitter followers for your big day. It's the least I could do!


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Eastern Caribbean Ferry Service makes Carnival hopping much easier!

Wouldn't it be cool if you could take a ferry boat from one island to the next to check out carnival celebrations all summer long? Very soon, you will be able to, as a new, affordable ferry service to be launched in October will link the islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Barbados and Trinidad.

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CARIBBEAN FERRY SERVICE TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH

By Al Edwards

Friday, September 18, 2009

A new ferry service linking the Caribbean is earmarked to be launched at the end of next month. Owned and operated by BEDY Oceanlines, this latest attempt at regional transportation will have its inaugural launch on October 20.

This service will focus more on the Eastern Caribbean taking in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenada. The plan is to add more islands as it becomes more established. According to BEDY Oceanlines, the service will be offered daily with two bases: one in St Vincent responsible for the St Vincent to Barbados and St Lucia routes, the other in Grenada which will service the Grenada to Trinidad and Barbados route.

One of the main hindrances to the effectiveness of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) has been a viable

To get the full story, read CLICK HERE

Sounds good huh? Next June how about we start out at Vincy Mas, move up to St. Lucia Carnival, Over to Barbados, and close out at Spice Mas? Are you in?

Love and Carnivel,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Nurse Karen Interviews Fay-Ann Lyons in Barbados

We all know that hands down, 2009 is the most successful year thusfar n the career of Fay Ann Lyons. The accolades have been listed over and over again, but Fay's greatest success is her daughter. Take a look at this interview I did with Fay-Ann Lyons after Noize Productions' Caribbean Wet Fete bac in July.

Fay-Ann discusses how child rearing shapes a woman's identity.




Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Nurse Karen interviews Bunji Garlin in Barbados

Back in July, I passed through Barbados briefly.While I was there, Noize Poductions hosted their annual aibean Wete Fete. Throughout the evening I assisted Roamin TV with it covrage of the event by interviewing a handful of the stars in attendance.

Check out my lil 5 minutes with Bunji Garlin



BTW, Im still hanging out in NYC. I owe you some posts, so check me later!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Barbados Kadooment Results

For the non-Bajans out there, Kadooment is the name used in Barbados to refer to its costume parade day. Here are the results for anyone who might have had trouble digging it up themselves. This info comes to you from CropOverCarnival.com


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Kadooment Costume Band Results

Results are shown in order of winning.

Historical -

1.Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning.

2.Betty West Betty West Barbados Back Den.

3.Mas' Explosion Neal Robinson The People Who Came.



Topical -

1.Radikal Amanda Forde Tourism Is We Business.

2.Wednesday 2000 Mackie Holder Kadoonival.

3.De Renegades Doug Hoyte Rum Glorious Rum.


Community -

1.Bajana Trydeijha Britynee Entwine Seasons.

2.Youth Exlosion Quincy Jones Energy Yuh Want, Energy Yuh Gine Get.

3.No prize awarded.


Traditional -

1.Betty West Betty West Barbados Back Den.

2.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

3.Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning.


Advertising -

1.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.De Renegades Doug Hoyte Rum Glorious Rum.

3.No prize awarded.


Fantasy -

1.Rebel Vibes Andre Elias Psychomachia.

2.Baje International Corey Knight Fire & Ice.

3.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.


Large Band -

Jump Promotions Renee Ratcliffe Sweet Fuh Days


Small Band -

De Renegades Doug Hoyte Rum Glorious Rum


Most Colourful Large Band -

Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures


Most Colourful Small Band -

Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning


Crop-Over Anniversary Award -

1.Wednesday 2000 Mackie Holder Kadoonival.

2.Jump Promotions Renee Ratcliffe Sweet Fuh Days.

3.Bajana Trydeijha Britynee Entwine Seasons.


HIV/AIDS Awareness Award -

Jump Promotions Renee Ratcliffe Sweet Fuh Days.


Best Band On The Road -

1.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.Betty West - Barbados Regatta Betty West Barbados Back Den.

3.Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning.


Flag Person -

1.Dee Dee Winston Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.Sue Ellen St Louis Wednesday 2000 Kadoonival.

3.Sedia Jackman Youth Exlosion Energy Yuh Want, Energy Yuh Gine Get.


Best Individual - Male

1.Adzil Stuart - The Silver Lining Ooutraje The Beginning.

2.Ewan Pilgrim - Harrison's Cave Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

3.Randolph Auld - A Fishing Boat Betty West Barbados Back Den.


Best Individual - Female -

1.Marilyn Rice-Bowen - Splendour of the Coral Reef Betty West Barbados Back Den.

2.Jasmine Babb - Blue Skies Power x 4 Sweet Fuh Days.

3.Marlina Forde - Soft & Sweet Betty West Barbados Back Den.


Small Band Of The year -

1.Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning.

2.Mas Explosion Neal Robinson The People Who Came.

3.Bajana Trydeijha Britynee Entwine Seasons.


Large Band Of The Year -

1.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.Jump Promotions Renee Ratcliffe Sweet Fuh Days.

3.Power x 4 Chetwin Stewart Love & Revelry 15 years.


Festival Designer Of The Year -

1.Gwyneth Squires.

2.Betty West.

3.Renee Ratcliffe.


Queen Of The Bands -

1.Lynn Callender - Hidden Beauty Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.Sophia Chase - Mukuru The African God Of Agriculture And Harvest Trevor Chase The Beginning.

3.Betty West - Barbados Regatta Betty West Barbados Back Den.



King Of The Bands -

1.Trevor Chase - Mukuru The African God Of Agriculture And Harvest Trevor Chase The Beginning.

2.Trevor Nicholls - Hidden Culture Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.


3. No prize awarded


* No prize awarded for Best Overseas Band

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Free Download: Various Island Soca 2009 by DJ Bass

DJ BASS

Afternoon Nurse Karen Posse!!!

Tuesdays are perfect for new music. Luckily today, I'm giving you something extra special with the kind compliments of Toronto's own DJ Bass. If you live in THIS oddly humid city, then you probably know Bass as a co-host of CIUT 89.5 FM's Island Breeze Program, Friday evenings from 6 to 8 PM.

He took it over from 15-year host Jaro sometime last year...and I've got to say, he's doing a fine job of "lifting up everything and anything its path".

Several years ago...Island Breeze became a favourite weekly tradition of mine, as I would drive into the city from the West End to host my weekly open-mic event, La Parole. I would always get the latest soca...and since I usually tuned in a little bit late I was treated to the "Bass Mix" or something so. That was my DJ friend's exclusive uninterrupted weekly mashup of the best of the best.

He's always had an ear for the obscure, and never been afraid to run tunes that other DJ's may not be playing...or rather... some tunes other DJ's have never even bothered to listen to . Well, that's their problem. DJ Bass is an equal opportunity music man, sampling sounds from multiple Caribbean Islands and giving fans a chance to appreciate the music in its many facets and expressions.

So with Grenada crossing the stage for Carnival Tuesday this Morning, the Caribbean-based Summer carnivals have nearly run their full gamut. Wouldn't you say it's time for a recap of some of 2009's hidden gems?

I present to you "Island Breeze, Various Island Soca 2009 by DJ Bass"

VARIOUS ISLAND SOCA 2009 - AKA OECS PLUS OTHERS

89.5 FM's Island Breeze

Download it HERE

VARIOUS ISLAND SOCA 2009 - AKA OECS PLUS OTHERS

MIXED BY DJ BASS

1. Bomani (SVG) - Do Something (Good Times )
2. Fullclip (SVG) - Wine Girl Wine
3. Tian Winter (ANU) - Baby I
4. Frank White (BIM) - Wine Fuh Me Gal
5. Alison Hinds (BIM)- Gimme De Juk Juk
6. Rupee (BIM) - Standing Up
7. Patrice Roberts (T&T)- Waist Line Roll
8. Peter Ram (BIM) - Real Tight F.Che'Nelle (JA)
9. Lil' Rick (BIM) - One Juk For The Carnival
10. Zan (T&T) - Back Bone
11. Farmer Nappy (T&T) - Go Brave
12. Biggie Irie(BIM) - One More day
13. Farmer Nappy (T&T) & General Grant (T&T)- Looking to Wine
14. Patrice Roberts (T&T) - Wuk It
15. Machel Montano - Slow Wine
16. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood - Carnival on my Mind
17. Tian Winter - Gimme a Taste
18. Shurwayne Winchester (T&T) - Murdah
19. Benjai (T&T) - Fun Fun Fun
20. Uncle Sam (USA)- Serves a Purpose
21. Danielle Veira (SVG) - I Wan me Soca
22. Biggie Irie (BIM) - Slow Wine
23. Shyann Bailey (T&T / CAN) - Pure Sweetness
24. Machel Montano (T&T) - Ramajay
25. Statement (BIM) - All Night
26. T.C. (BIM) - Hot Sun & Riddim
27. Gorg (BIM)- Keeps Drinks Coming
28. Mr Dale(BIM) - Come out
29. Luta (SVG) - Shake
30. Fox (BIM) - Staggerah
31. Ziggy Ranking (T&T) - Staggerah
32. Wayne Marshall (JA) - Lumbah
33. Pupa Leendi(GRE) - Same Strength
34. Maddzart (SVG) - Is me Friend
35. Maddzart (SVG) - Let Go Yo Waistline
36. Jamesy P (SVG) - Horna Man
37. Statement (BIM) - Its Carnival
38. Lavaman (GRE) - Dey Do You
39. Skarpyon (SVG) - Want Back Dem Days
40. Pupa Leendi (GRE) - Ft. Lyrikal (T&T) - Get on Bad
41. Lively(SVG) - Condom
42. Berbice (GRE) - Gasoline
43.Fryktion (SVG) ft. Problem Child (SVG), and Parry Jack (SVG) - Yo Woman Buttin Me
44. Pupa Leendi (GRE) - Ovaz
45. Lil Rick (BIM) - Bajan Wuk Ups
46. Lively (SVG) - Mash Up
47. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood (BIM) - Socaholics
48. Problem Child (SVG) - Rude N Freaky
49. Luta (SVG) - Water
50. Lil Rick (BIM) - Riding
51. DJ Tarrus (SVG) - Rum in ah me Head
52. Avalance (USVI) - Get A Drink
53. Jamesy P (SVG) - Patriots
54. Problem Child (SVG) - Anything
55. Chow Mein the Black Bajan Chinese Executive Chef (BIM) - The Chinese Connection
56. Salt (BIM) - See Me
57. Luta (SVG) & Jamesy P (SVG) - Bruk she Waist
58. Lavaman (GRE) Ft. Von - More Horn
59. Lil Rick (BIM) - Wuk Pon Top Ah Wuk
60. Pong (BIM) - Wood
61. Stabby (BIM) - Major Stabby Pain
62. Ricky T (SLU) - Like a Jumbie
63. Skinny Fabulous (SVG) - Leggo D Beast
64. Blood (BIM) - Chaos
65. Mikey (BIM) - Riddum Sekshun
66. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood (BIM) - In De Middle ah de Road
67. Problem Child (SVG) - Madhouse

You may not be aware that this mix represents a lot more intra-regional cross pollination than one might expect. Many of these artists are based in the US or other locales, and work with producers who wave different flags. Also, the bulk of the songs marked "T&T" were produced by Bajan producers, and released therefore for Crop Over. Working together is becoming the norm, rather than the exception...and THAT...is a very good thing.

You'll notice the selections heavily favour Bajan and Vincy releases. Clearly there are some toppa top Lucia, Antiguan, and Grenadian tunes that could easily find their home on a mix like this...but dudes...this is just ONE mix. All that means, is I'll have to hit you back with another one just now!

In the meantime show some love to the DJ who JUST hooked you up:

MySpace

Twitter

Enjoy!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Edwin Yearwood shares winnings with Mikey!

Hey All,

Sorry for the delay in getting this to you! With Caribana...and all the resulting fireworks this year, I must admit I have been struggling to stick to my regular schedule. Don't forget to check 'DE LATEST NEWS' for more detail on these items...

In this edition:
- Caribana Band of the Year Results
- Crop Over Pic of de Crop Calypso Monarch
- Crop Over Peoples' Monarch
- Antigua Soca Monarch

Good evening soca lovers I’m Nurse Karen , and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Happy
Caribana weekend 2009! Wow....this is the time of year when sweet soca music takes center stage, and our fair city of Toronto show off the incredible beauty and culture of the Caribbean to the rest of the world. If you’re visiting from out of town. Sure hope you’ve had a chance to experience the exhilarating vibrations that only soca can provide. If you’re not already feeling the vibe...keep listening. Marxman and Dr. Jay are making you wine from 6 to 9.

So first the results from the road. Congratulations to Carnival Nationz on their 2009 Band of the Year title. The presentation of In Full Bloom was absolutely stunning to see. Runner up was Lousi Saldenah Mas K Club with a Tribute to Harold Saldenah. Congrats Dr. Jay...2nd place ain’t so bad. Toronto Revellers took home the 3rd place spot with Brasil, Bacchanal in RIO.

If you didn’t know, Toronto isn’t the only place celebrating carnival right now. Down in beautiful Barbados...it’s all about Crop Over. Red Plastic Bag took hom, yet another Calypso Monarch Crown this weekend. Then this weekend De General Edwin was votes Peoples’ Monarch of Barbados. That is a competition sponsored by a group of radio stations. Listeners get to text in votes for their favourite song and artist of the festival. Edwin’s uptempo...Middle of the road was the clear winner. He beat out his opponent Mikey 82 percent to 18 percent.

None the less, I can vouch that Mikey’s song I in Dat is a very big tune. Edwin thought Mikey deserved to get something too...so get this. He actually offered to give him 10 thousand dollars out of his $25,000 top prize.

Before I head out to continue the carnival action, lemme tell you what happened in Antigua last night. Tian Winter dethroned long time crowd favourite Claudette "CP" Peters in both the Groovy Soca Monarch and Party Monarch categories. So get used to the songs "Baby I" and "Soca Rebel"...and the name Tian Winter. He's on top of his game for 2009, and he's here to stay.

I'm Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more info on anything mentioned here...check out your best source for reliable soca news, Nurse Karen Etc at www.nurse-karen.com or follow nurse karen on twitter.

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Booster Shot: Barbados Kadooment Road March Results

Edwin Yearwood rocking the crowd at Broward Carnival 2008

You can blame Edwin Yearwood for a whole lot of bad behaviour on the road at Kadooment Day in Barbados yesterday. His monster jam "In De Middle Ah De Road", played most ofetn at judging points...making Mr. Yearwood the 2009 Road March / Tune of de Crop winner.



Next in like was Mikey with "I in Dat"

Third was Pic of the Crop / Calypso King Red Plastic Bag with "Something Happening"


Love and Carnival,

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: Where to stay for Crop Over

For anyone searching last minute flights to Barbados for Crop Over, bad news...Nurse Karen Airlines is booked solid! I'm joking, but if your only hangup is where to stay, might I make a suggestion?

It might be smart to check out, the The Palms Resort:

Deluxe, affordable accommodation in Barbados

Nestled in an oasis of the resort area of Sunset Crest, as the name suggests, are the two sister properties Halcyon Palm and Travellers Palm Apartment Hotels.

These intimate and cosy accommodations, although tucked away in a quiet corner of this busy West Coast resort town, is within walking distance of every activity your mind can imagine.

Great for families, couple and singles looking for an affordable Barbados island holiday.

When I was in Barbados two weeks ago, I stayed in a cool guest apartment on the West Coast, in St. James. The great thing about it, apart from being close to the main road, and within walking distance of shopping and the beach, is that it was an apartment!

I know first-hand how expensive it can be to travel for a major festival. When events are costing you anywhere from US $15 to $150, it's great to have your own oven, microwave and FRIDGE!! **cough, cough**. A girl needs to keep her ENERGY DRINKS cold, you know!

When I travel, even to work, it's a real luxury to have a space with a living room for entertaining or meetings. Being a city girl, with a country heart, the serenity of well manicured gardens, and a peacful tucked away locale is the perfect complement to a day and night of raucus partying.

Plus, a cool refreshing dip in the pool always relaxes my tired muscles, so I can get out there to catch all the action the next day!



So please, check out the Palms Resort online
Make a booking, and tell them Nurse Karen sent ya!

Special thanks to ALT Entertainment, Gillian, The Palms Resort, Corey Graham 2.0, Noise Productions Ltd, Stan and everyone else who made my trip to Barbados possible!

Have a safe and happy Crop Over 2009!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Crop Over 2010

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Booster Shot: More on Barbados' Sweet Soca and Party Monarch

Nurse Karen with Sweet-Soca and Party Monarch Champ TC in Barbados (July 2009)

Found an article worth sharing about the big competitions held for Crop Over this past Sunday. Congrats once again to TC and Nathalee. So far, Woman is Boss for Crop Over 2009

TC does the double to join winners’ row

7/27/2009
Barbados Advocate
By Khalil Goodman
TERENCIA “TC” Coward brought ‘the riddim’ and made history – winning the both inaugural 98.1 The One/Banks Sweet-Soca competition and the Mount Gay/Lime Party Monarch yesterday.

Singing the song “Hot Sun and Riddim” in both competitions, Coward captured the two trophies and $32 000 in combined cash prizes. Neil Bernard and Nicholas Brancker produced track helped edge out TC’s tent mate, Natalie “Natahlee” Burke. She came second in both competitions singing “This is What We Do.”

Natahlee lost to TC by 20 points in the Party Monarch competition and by only one point in the SweetSoca.
To read on, click here

Nurse Karen with Sweet Soca & Party Monarch Runner Up, Nathalee Burke in Barbados (July 2009)
Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: TC is inaugural Sweet Soca Champ

Here are the results from The first ever Crop Over Sweet Soca Competition!!!

(Special thanks to our own Corey Graham 2.0 who is at Farley Hill National Park in Barbados awaiting the Party Monarch results)

1. TC - Hot Sun N Riddim

2. Nathalee Burke - What We Do

3. Mikey - I in Dat

4. Mr. Dale - We Come to Party

5. Blood - Back It Up

Congrats to Miss TC. She's been doing this soca thing for a while now. It was my pleasure to finally meet her in person 2 Sundays ago at Caribbean Wet Fete in Bridgetown. We chatted about this season...and the chances of this very thing happening! She edged out Nahtalee Burke by just 1 point!!!


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S. Party Monarch results coming any second now!

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Booster Shot: Ras Iley ruffles some feathers with Don't Let Kaiso Die

Tell me if I'm wrong. Isn't Kaiso all about voicing the peoples' concerns and educating the masses about general vibrations of their society? Over the years, music trends in various genres have both aided and hindered those styles from reaching their highest heights. However, it's no surprise that throughout Caribbean communities the art of Calypso is falling out of fashion with the young, and in some cases losing some of its most potent elements.

Before reading any further, please listen to this poignant commentary by Ras Iley on the state of the Kaiso genre in Barbados and beyond.

Click HERE

Apologies for the external link, couldn't find it online anywhere else. I have a strict rule about not personally posting anyone's music online without their permission. (Biggie Irie, thanks for sending me the Mp3!)

So this post serves two purposes. First, I wanna send my kudos straight to the eyes and ears of Barbados Calypso Giant Ras Iley for the release of "Don't Let Kaiso Die". Also, lemme big up the Red Boyz, who have been incredibly selective about who they work with this year. Thanks for crafting this one. The entire team is a veritable all-star cast of Bajan music professionals. See the credits:

"DON'T LET KAISO DIE"
PERFORMED BY RAS ILEY

WRITTEN BY THE MIGHTY GABBY

ARRANGED BY KENNY WALLACE

PRODUCED & RECORDED BY DE RED BOYZ (Inspired by Eddie Grant, Nicholas Brancker, Chris Allman, Arturo Tappin, Adrian 'Boo' Husbands, Ricky Brathwaite, John Roett, Glen Johansen, Ian Alleyne, Smokey Roett, Andy Williams, Mike Sealy, Keith Ellis, Roger Gittens, The Festival Band, the many more keepers of the flame in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean and those who went before.)

MIXED BY DEEPU PANJWANI

MASTERED BY ELISEUS JOSEPH

PERFORMED BY THE BIG SHOW BAND

Bass - Julian Griffith
Drums & Percussion - Mikey Hulsmeier (with inspiration from Frederick Griffith)
Guitar - Michael Hope
Keyboards - Leonard Griffith
Trombone - Bernard Yearwood (Leader of the Big Show Band)
Trumpet - Ryan Blackman
Sax - Nicholas Timothy
Sax - Randy Eastmond
Background Vocals - Alison Gittens, Lisa Howell & Wynelle Lovell

Guitar Intro - The Mighty Gabby
Additional Percussion - Frank 'Foreigner Frank' Coppin (De Red Boyz)
Guitar & Keyboards - Scott Galt ( De Red Boyz)
Additional Background Vocals - Indra Rudder (Island Moon Magic)
Steel Pan - Terry 'The Mexican' Arthur (Square One)

Second, I want to address some controversy regarding the song that is going on in Barbados.

The talk on the streets of Barbados today is that the song has been banned from the airwaves on the Starcom and CBC networks due to references to their programming. I sincerely hope this is not the case. Although, most Bajans have yet to hear it played on these stations, I have not seen or heard anything from a credible source that would confirm an actual ban.

Lemme post my lil two cents for you on this matter. Don't ban the song. This music exists to call the nation to a higher standard. I'm not talking about this song alone. I'm talking about Calypso as we have known and loved it over the years. Imagine if our governments banned every calypso that ever spoke out about class divisions, sexual and spousal abuse, violence, governmental corruption, money mismanagement, military campaigns, corrupt leadership, etc, etc ,etc? What would be have left? Are we reducing the purest gem of our story-telling traditions to a dim and lifeless stone? Are the powers that be actually suggesting that the public stands to gain more from songs about big bam-bams and other such body parts?

If you deserve licks, take them and don't cry! The only changes needed in the programming departments are those that will begin to consider the lasting power music can have over its consumer. If de man is talking to you. Don't silence him. Listen.


As Caribbean people, we must pride ourselves in a heritage which marries our passion to our intellect. We must encourage the artist to comment on and edify their audience. We must respect all aspects of our creativity and provide forums within which they can grow and further develop, even beyond our shores. Stand up Barbados, and the Caribbean worldwide.

TELL DEM I SAY RAISE DE CALYPSO STANDARD
RAISE IT HIGH
TO DE SKY

TELL DEM WHAT THEY DOIN' IS GOIN BACKWARD
RAISE IT HIGH

DON'T LET KAISO DIE

~ Ras Iley "Don't Let Kaiso Die"


Love and Kaiso,


Nurse Karen

P.S. After originally posting this commentary, I was given a link in order to share "Don't Let Kaiso Die" with the world. If you think this mesage is important, download it HERE

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On De Scene: STRAIGHT FROM BIM VOL. 3 will launch at La Familia’s KRAVE 11 on Saturday July 18, 2009

STRAIGHT FROM BIM VOL. 3 will launch at La Familia's KRAVE 11 on Saturday July 18, 2009.

It's finally here! The long anticipated release of Wine Fuh Yuh Life - the third consecutive CD in the Straight From Bim series of compilations that started in 2007 – will be launched this Saturday at KRAVE 11 at George Washington House, Garrison Savanah in St. Michael.

After the success of the first two volumes and especially last year's Feels Nas, the producer and arranger Dwain Antrobus said, "I'm very excited about this edition. It was intensive work but a pleasure to work with more new artists, and the usual accomplished ones. Their enthusiasm to put out proper work fuelled my drive to deliver another album of even better quality". Dwain wanted to deliver another enjoyable Caribbean soca album from his Bassink Studio in the parish of St. Philip.

Straight from Bim Vol 3- Wine fuh yuh Life features the talent of Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Shurwayne Winchester, Biggie Irie, Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Wayne Marshall, Zan, Rusty, Answar, Frank White and Tian Winter. This eclectic mix of artists from Trinidad, Jamaica, and Barbados made it an easy challenge for the adept hands of Mr. Dwaingerous himself to produce a tempa wine that makes one truly enjoy "wining for life" to the 13 new tracks and the remix to the hit "Tempa Wine" by Patrice and Machel. And already Lumbah by Wayne Marshall and Turn Up by Patrice Roberts are heating up the airwaves and the Crop-Over fetes!

Patrons at Krave 2 are promised to get the full taste of this album, when its featured artists will not hold back in giving them the wines of their lives as Machel Montano hosts this second annual fete. I will be "murdah" as Bubbles, Stan, Alvin Toppin and Dave Smooth pelt out the tunes so everyone can spread out and wine the night away starting at 9 p.m.

Wine Fuh Yuh Life will be on sale for the very special price of $25 each, and the jouvert couples can purchase two for $40. Admission is $25.

For more information, please contact Phil Philips at E-Vision Concepts at 228-1082.

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Booster Shot: No More Competitive Pan at Crop Over

Cuts. Cuts. Cuts... Sadly, steelpan will not be a competitive arena at 2009 Barbados Crop Overdue to what appears to be a lack of respect for the nation's local talent.

I found this article in this morning's Barbados Advocate. Still shaking my head. Thought you may like it...

Just Say it: When will we start to value other artforms?

BY JANICE PERRYMAN

THE National Cultural Foundation (NCF) met earlier this year with steelbands of Barbados and discussed the rules of the impending steelband competition to be held during the Crop Over Festival 2009. Subsequent to this meeting they corresponded with the leaders of the bands and informed them of the details of the competition – prizes, date, time, venue, etc.

Players obviously began to prepare by paying an arranger and having regular rehearsal. It was therefore a surprise when we heard by a chance conversation that the event has been cancelled.

For the full story, click here!

Give it a read, and leave your "2 Cents" below...


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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