On De Scene: Artist and Management Changes at SLU Records

Ricky T was due to make an appearance at one of the promoted events for the Labor Day celebrations in New York. Which seem to be adding fuel to the already heated issue in St. Lucia concerning the soca star.

Back in July, Radio Caribbean International broke the story that Ricky T announced his “break” from SLU Records in their Midday News Edition, and Nurse Karen kept us all up to date as the story unfolded (CLICK HERE)

Since then, SLU Records / Studio 758 have been under heavy fire from the media and general public with Ricky T speaking out on certain issues. However, note as of July 2009, Ricky T’s three year contract with this record label had expired. According to SLU Records, this latest no-show in New York City was not affiliated with their management team, as they have not been responsible for his bookings over the past month.

Up to this morning, a press release was distributed where Irvin "Ace" Loctar announces to everyone the new approach and highlights some interesting points already touched on and others which may be shocking to you.

Irvin "Ace" Loctar

New Music Takes centre stage at SLU Records

St. Lucian hit factory, SLU Records is about to explore new music genres by adding Reggae and Pop to it’s already successful collection of internationally acclaimed Soca hits.

“It’s all about taking music to another level and presenting the best Lucian and Caribbean talent to the world!” says CEO Irvin “ACE” Loctar who takes the reigns as head of business operations in lieu of the recent departure of Dwayne Mendes, former Managing Director. “Dwayne also has new things in the pipeline and we’ll still work closely together in the future”, Mr. Loctar assures.

Choosing to go a different direction with his career, Ilah Man will no longer be cited as a SLU Records artist. “We had a good run, and wish him all the best!” says Loctar who also notes that while Ricky T’s contract with SLU Records has expired, the company is not considering renewing his contract at this time."

These are some huge changes and indeed has sent shockwaves my way!

Peace and Soca,

Rochelle

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Nurse's Lounge: Brooklyn Carnival, a political battleground?

New York City will be voting for a mayor on the first Tuesday in November. Rightfully, the politicians are carefully showing up at all the right places to get some attention. For those of you who attended Labor Day Carnival in Brooklyn, you may have been enjoying yourself too much to notice the campaign signs absolutely everywhere. But signs were just one thing the mayoral candidates contributed to the festivities.

Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell was there. He's a American of Jamaican ancestry who was born in New York. He utilized his special role as a parade grand marshal to endorse the incumbent mayor, Michael Bloomberg. He appeared on "Larry King Live" about two months ago singing the praises of Bloomberg, and he continued to echo that support in a news conference before the parade on Monday.

The Democrats didn't miss the chance to show face too! William Thompson, a democratic challenger was there as well. He's currently a City Controller whose grandparents came to the United States from St. Kitts and Nevis.

I'm not an American or a New Yorker, but I do have a Political Science degree (and it's my blog!)...so I feel like adding my two cents. Carnival traditionally enabled the common person to make satirical critique about the powers that be. Campaigning at carnival is sort of a slap in the face of our heritage. We jump to poke fun at government, to criticize government, to hold them to a higher standard. I personally would love to see a mas presentation that depicts the merits and downfalls of the various candidates competing for your votes. Lose the campaign signs and say it in mas. Let the spectators decide.

In case the mas bands find it tricky to sell costumes in the "Blue-Blooded Millionaire" section or the "Republican in Independent's Clothing" section, they might consider directly hitting up the campaign offices for some cheddar. In the world of politics, the true test of a community's value in the eyes of a politician can be measured in dollars and cents. Let them know the Caribbean community requires more than handshakes and baby kissing. Let's see them cough up some support for Caribbean culture; money for Pan-o-rama, sponsoring kiddies costumes for disadvantaged youth, or maybe footing the bill for the necessary city permits. In so doing, they can earn the privilege to display signs. However, there will be no ownership of Carnival. The best they can hope for is favourable media coverage, and an electorate that has reason to believe that these candidates might actually take heed of its concerns when the voting is over.

Next time those "powers" feel like exerting their influence on the peoples' festival, let's find a way to make it empower us. Then we can start talking about what to do on November 3rd. Politics does belong in Carnival, but never forget that the political voice must echo the heartbeat of the people.

Love and Culture!

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: West Indian American Day Carnival (Labor Day) Events

Good Day Soca Lovers,

Your Nurse is laying low in Brooklyn right now, so I thought I'd update you on the line-up of carnival events about to kick off over the weekend. For most of us outside of New York, we know this carnival as one thing: Labor Day. However, since I plan to be back in Toronto on the actual holiday Monday, I thought it would be a good idea to get to know what lies beyond the parade day. Fair enough?

Check out one or more of these Official WIAD Carnival Events if you're in Brooklyn or planning to visit here at some point over the next week.

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

Pre Carnival Fete (All Inclusive)
8pm to 1 am



D'USA Caribbean All Star Calypso Tent - Nightly until September 4th
8 pm

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

Opening Nite
4pm


D'Big Apple Calypso Revue - Daily until September 4th



Monday, August 31, 2009

Ladies Night - Monday and Tuesday
8 pm (Part of D'Big Apple Calypso Revue)




Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Comedy Night
7:30 pm



Everybody's Magazine Night
8 pm (part of the D'Big Apple Calypso Revue)




Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

Clash of the Calypso Titans (D'Big Apple Calypso Revue vs. D'USA Caribbean All Stars Tent)



Friday, September 4th, 2009

Brassfest



Saturday, September 5th, 2009

Panorama (Same flyer as Brassfest)


Junior Carnival (Same flyer as Brassfest)


Sunday, September 6th, 2009

Dimanche Gras (Same flyer as Brassfest)

Monday, September 7th, 2009

West Indian American Day Carnival (Same flyer as Brassfest)
8 am - 6pm


For more details on all of the events listed above, visit The West Indian American Day Carnival Association online

Love and Carnival,

Nurse Karen

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Poll Results: Caribana is Best!

I asked you to select your favourite carnival in the Diaspora.

Out of New York, Toronto, London and Miami...you chose Toronto!!! I was raised on Caribana, so naturally it holds a special place in MY heart. But over the years, I've built some unbeatable memories in London and New York. Believe it or not, I have never experienced Miami for myself. By this time next week, that will have changed!

(Nurse) Karen (Etc) visitors come from all over the world. To give you an idea of who was doing the voting, here are the top ten countries that were surfing this blog during the polling period.

1. Canada
2. United States of America
3. United Kingdom
4. Trinidad and Tobago
5. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
6. St. Lucia
7. Antigua and Barbuda
8. Grenada
9. Martinique
10.Barbados



Finally, Here are YOUR results....

50% of you said Toronto Caribana

25% said New York, Labor Day
25% said Miami Carnival

...and NOBODY voted for London's Notting Hill Carnival

But I wanna know why!?!!?!

What's the deal? leave a comment, and let's talk about it.

Enjoying Caribana 2008!

While you're at it, check out the current poll question on the right hand side of your screen --->

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The Rounds: Brother B injured in car crash

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Hard to believe it is September. The whirl wind of Caribbean summer carnivals has ended, and the big street parties in the diaspora will wrap up soon. Last weekend the action was in New York City, for the annual West Indian Day Parade. Almost all your favourite soca personalities were on hand to dazzle their American fans.

Faye-Ann and Bunji preparing to go on stage at Battle of the Bands, NY

One noticeably absent performer, however, was St. Lucia's reigning soca monarch, Ricky T. He stayed home with his family to usher in the birth of his first child.

Another soca ambassador who was absent from the Brooklyn action on Monday was Mr. Kevin Lyttle. Many of you have been asking what became of that much talked about 2^nd commercial album that has been brewing for years. The album is called FYAH, and it was finally released last week in Japan. Over the weekend, Kevin was in Asia promoting the 18 track CD that features collaborations with the likes of Alison Hinds, Lexxus, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child. It was released on Universal Japan, so you can't get it on this side of the globe quite yet unless you're willing to pay for shipping from Amazon's Japanese online store.

Nurse Karen and Kevin Lyttle

Farmer Nappy shared his vocal stylings alongside the HD camp last Thursday at SOB's, and Saturday at ACNY at the Cipriani in Manhattan. Then it was back to the Caribbean to shoot the music video for Belly Dancer. The song was originally released for Barbados Crop Over, but will be re-released for the Trinidad market along with the video by early November. Nappy's also getting his hands dirty with something called the United Soca Movement. You heard it here first, more details soon.

Farmer Nappy and Nurse Karen

Last but not least, I'd like to send out warm wishes to Grenadian soca singer Brother B. He was injured in a serious car accident last weekend. You may know him from songs like "Pork" from last year, or Grenada's most requested song of 2008, "Little Wine" The 24-year-old artiste damaged his waist and fractured his arm, but is reported to be recovering speedily.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. If you'd like to check out some of the New York Labour Day action for yourself, be sure to suss out pics, videos and journals online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustardseeds dot net. And you enjoy having the latest in soca news on the go, download Dr. Jay's Rounds at Soca Therapy dot com. Now back to de Docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: Jumping Up on the Parkway

OK...so, my time in NY is just about done. I always have a great time down here. Maybe it's how the place is so compact, you're just bound to run into all sorts of people.


I didn't play mas in Brooklyn. I'm sure none of you are that disappointed that you're not seeing me in costume. (The Summer body just expired anyway) Monday was just a nice relaxing lime in Brooklyn. I took some time to watch the band go by. Then my girls and I took a small jump before calling it a day. Here's a bit of what we saw.

Yeah, I know. I missed a lot. That's what happens when you roll out of bed late. That and when the police block of 80% of the entrances to the parade route. In the end, I made it!

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Nurse's Lounge: Battle of the Bands

Ok, here's the scene. When I think of Labor Day carnival, swanky midtown venues is not the first thing that comes to mind. But, I'm definitely all for change, so long as it doesn't alienate the people who have been supporting the art form from jump.

Battle of the Bands has moved to the Roseland Ballroom this year. It's a huge, classy venue in Manhattan. No doubt it cost real money to put on a fete up here. I'd guess that it could comfortably accommodate 5000 patrons. So Bless up to Shaka and the rest oft he team from Upscale Crowd Ent & Caribbean Fuse for going the extra mile. Not just for "trying a ting", but not jacking up the ticket price too much higher than what ppl pay for similar events in Brooklyn.

Highlights:

1. FINALLY meeting Oungku of Red Hot Flames. PORDY ON DUDES!!! Believe it or not, the first CD i ever bought with my own money was DIG by Burning Flames. Okay, it wasn't exactly MY money. It was lunch money, from my Mommy. But is me who spent it! The new album from RED HOT FLAMES is called SCYATTAH! Buy it. It features the 2008 road march: Musical Bomb! Here's a shot of yours truly with Oungku.

2. Krosfyah large and in charge. See for yourself. Edwin and the boys are clearly on cloud 9 following a stellar Crop Over season. Not sure if I've told you before. I love to watch this band.

Edwin, Khiomal and Adrian bring energy, sexiness and crisp vocals every time. I watched their performance from way up in the VIP balcony, but I could feel each and every pelt, chook and wine!

3. Shurwayne making the most of it. It has to suck to be the ONLY artist at Battle of the Bands whose very reputable band was not booked for the show. Shurwayne knew exactly how to command the crowd with a little help from Toronto's own Bassline (Enforcas) on the 1's and 2's. Watch how Shurwayne hypes up a bunch of West Indians with New York City's favourite music at the end.

4. Asylum PERIOD. I'm trying to count how many times I've seen this band for 2008. I lost count...probably because I loved it every time. This is definitely a big year for Bunji and Faye-Ann. The very nature of Bunji's live appeal is his ability to improvise. That means that with him at the helm, you're never getting the same thing twice from Asylum. When they play I generally see Duvone Stewart beating the hell out of a pan. Last night's show featured Dane Gulstan who I've mentioned before. Well ladies as you can see...he's talented and he cute.

Here's a wee clip to show you why I'm so hype off this act! Big Up IP. I appreciate the link.

The biggest let down of the night. Yes, there was ONE. Ricky T wasn't there. After having the studio 758 team show me the best of times while I was in St. Lucia, I have to admit that I was really looking forward to seeing everyone in New York.

To Ricky's credit though, he chose to be in St. Lucia, so he could be present for the birth of his first child. Congrats Ricky. Unfortunately, the patrons weren't made aware of this development before the show. So, the Lucian posse was pretty disappointed. None the less, they represented...and had an amazing night sharing they crazy vibes from the front of the stage.

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The Rounds: Rudder gets patriotic with Bunji and Faye-Ann

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. I don't mean to start off with bad news, but it just occurred to me that for all the students listening. The start of the school year is just a little more than a week away.

In Trinidad with Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel and Natasha Andrews Noel (February 2008)

But don't let that depress you. These days school is full of all sorts of wonders! For instance, Brooklyn New York's Coskel University is sponsoring the last of their summertime soca unplugged series tonight. The event is called De Tamarind Seed Sessions. Throughout the warm months it has played host to people like Shawn Mastamind Noel, Kevon Carter and Trinity....but tonight it's all about learning your history. Dane Gulston will educate the people on pan, and music legends like Crazy, Black Stalin and Lord Nelson will all join the jam session.

Take a look at the video I compiled from Labour Day Carnival 2007. I also attended the 4th annual ISO Soca Awards. You'll notice clips featuring Crazy and Trinity as well as Dane Gulstan on pan...

From History we move to Civics. How many of you know that Trindad and Tobago became and independent republic on August 31st, 1962? That means next Sunday marks the 46th anniversary.

Down in Trinidad, Ian Wiltshire of Island Style Music thought of the perfect way to mark the occasion. He got David Rudder, Faye-Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin in studio to record a patriotic new song called "3 Colours"

Your "Nurse" with Bunji and Faye-Ann in St. Vincent (July 2008)

Some of you know Ian as the man behind the international Glow carnival fetes and annual Glow soundtracks. This past year, Ian decided to take a break from releasing a new Glow album due to decresing soca music sales across the board. His Canadian distributor (JBS records) wasn't so happy about this and convinced him to compile a "best of" album instead. Well we all know how those things go…all your favourite hits, plus a couple of updated remixes for good measure. 3 colours actually started off as a 2008 refix of Trini 2o de Bone. But lo and behold when creative people get together, innovations are bound to happen. It was co-produced by Ian Wiltshire, Ibo Joseph and Alan Brizan.

There's yet one more surprize in store when the song comes out this week. Ian tells me the intro and samples feature an iconic voice from Trinidad's past. He won't say who…but if you find any political figures listed in the multiple choice, that would be my guess!

Still with me students? Time for Geography. Soca Summer has landed firmly on London England this weekend for Notting Hill Carnival. Everybody's over there…well, except for me this year.

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Nurse Karen goes to London and Notting Hill Carnival (2007)

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But that's OK, next weekend when the action moves to New York, so do I! It's all about the Brooklyn West Indian Day Parade. And after Labour Day, my young musical apprentices, it's time to hang up the dancing shoes and study your books!

Enjoying the vibes on Labor Day Monday 2007

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please leave me your comments online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustardseeds dot net. Never miss a beat when it comes to soca news….download The Rounds Podcast at Soca Therapy dot com.

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The Rounds - August 19, 2007

Good evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. Grenada carnival wrapped up on Tuesday. And Congratulations are in order for Berbice. Traffic was THE chune heard most often on the road, beating out Ah Cyah Hear by Lava Man, and Tall Pree’s Trees.
Sadly, There won’t be any carnivals in the West Indies for a little while now, but THEY can’t expect the rest of us to stop de jumping. Yuh gah be real athletic to keep up with all the carnival action, so ah feel we ought to light a torch and send it rrround the world just like they do for the Olympics. So from Grenada, we passing we soca torch to Ottawa, then it’s going to Boston and Notting Hill, England. We blazing right back to Barrie, Ontario on September 1st. They will be hosting their first ever CaribFest just north of Toronto. Then dat torch lighting up the sky in Brooklyn a few days later.
I’ll be completing MY personal carnival marathon for the Summer in London and New York. Next Monday, you’ll find dis Vincy Vixen on the road with Poison UK before crossing the ocean for the 5th Annual International Soca Awards.
I f you haven’t cast a vote yet, now is the time to show your support for our very own reigning BEST INTERNATIONAL Soca DJ…Dr. Jay de Soca Prince. He’s looking to take the title again this year, but that can only happen if you take the time to VOTE. Head over to triple W dot Soca Awards dot com and show dem boys exactly why Toronto IS Soca City.
Well, if back to back wins isn’t reason enough to believe dat Dr. Jay is a soca Olympian, how about this? VP Records is bringing the 7th edition of D’Soca Zone to a record store near you. The two disc collection of soca favourites from the year gone by, features a bonus CD mixed and hosted by de docta he-self. So if you’ve been wondering where to LEGALLY buy songs like We Ready to Go, Hott Spot or Flames. Here’s your chance.
Speaking of great BAJAN chunes…A date has been set for the 2008 edition of the Barbados music awards. If you love the creativity and sweetness of Bajan music of EVERY genre, January 27th is THE night. The Sir Garfield Sobers Complex will come alive to celebrate the very best.
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s rounds. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-35. Now back to de Docta!

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The Rounds - July 1, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Today our great nation of Canada is celebrating one hundred forty years of togetherness...and being a Canadian of Caribbean heritage, that is something I can real celebrate. Here in Toronto, we have the best of the best…living side by side with all the cultures of the world. And we, de people of de Caribbean bring the beauty of our traditions and beautiful music to audiences that otherwise woulda neva know just how sweet it is!
And when you talk about sweetness the first thing that comes to your mind if you know anything about anything, is Soca Therapy’s own “Soca Sweetness” On Friday, music was flowing like golden honey up at de Ramada hotel in a sticky, but sweet celebration of ten years in de business. Congrats ba-by!
The togetherness vibes are building in St. Vincent as the whole country prepares for MY arrival. Well not so, but they celebrating 30 years of July Carnival over the next week…and I jumping on de next flight. Last night, Machel Montano closed out de fete at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex…where the talk of the night was Problem Child’s new tune “Party Animal”. The crowd was chanting “Oooo Oooo” all morning …and Machel joked that he might “quote-unquote” “borrow de idea” and take the tune to number 1. Well, they say imitation is the greatest form of flattery…but if yuh ask me, begging for a next lawsuit is the greatest form of dotishness. Over so, in Montreal, Carifiesta is back next weekend. If you need a little warm-up wine for caribana it go be nice.
St. Lucia is next up, as Ricky T’s “Pressure Boom” gets some added adrenalin thanks to a remix that features none other than Mister Vegas.
Another Lucian to watch is Q-pid…and is not just because she have a stomach like a six pack of Carib! The 27-year-old singer has four chart climbing singles this season including Tremors, which came about as an extempo freestyle on a riddim, Fire Waist, Outta Time Whine, and MAD…Again.
In the last 3 years the amount of soca songs that came out with “Mad” in the title is enough to make you wonder if insanity is ah part o we culture too. Over in gorgeous Barbados the decision makers at the CBC are giving me reason to confirm my speculations. If you were listening last week, you heard me mention a new tune called “Blaze it Up” by Jabae featuring Trinidad’s Mr. Vybe. Well, the brand new tune just got banned from the airwaves in Barbados due to questionable lyrical content. Well, if you’re asking the question…the problematic lyrics were “Sparkin’ Up de Flames”, but to many ears it sounds like sumting the good people at FLOW would prefer me not to repeat.
So we go leaved dat one alone as we look forward to finishing of this “weekend of togetherness” in style. Then we celebrate de soca way…is news from everything you heard today plus the latest from Soca 4 Summer, Caribana, Antigua, Grenada, Notting Hill and Brooklyn…so stay tuned.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds for Canada Day 2007. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now back to de Docta.

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