Booster Shot: HD Family ready to tour without Machel

I've posted the following to provide some more information on the "restructuring" I that is taking place in the HD camp, that I informed you of in September.  The names and faces are the same, but the roles have grown for Machel's performing team mates.  I think it's wonderful that some emphasis will be placed on developing their careers.  This is a far cry from what seemed to be the camp's mandate when I interviewed Machel for WE magazine in 2007.  At that time, he adopted the "HD" title and stopped referring to his band as Xtatik in an effort to focus more attention as himself as the star.

Do take a look at this article from last Thursday's Trinidad Guardian to see what is in store:

Soca shakedown
HD Family: No Machel, No Problem!

ABA A LUKE
Published: 12 Nov 2009

FROM TOP LEFT: Farmer Nappy, Patrice Roberts,
Zan and Umi Marcano.

Patrice Roberts is the boss, Farmer Nappy, the veteran, Zan, the cool operator and Umi Marcano is definitely the dancer-boy. The foursome are the HD Family—not HD mind you, as that title’s reserved for Machel Montano, the man who’s ruled the soca game for more than ten years. Going into 2010, Montano has opted to focus on other things, leaving his team to travel their own journey, even amid whispers of doubt and uncertainty. “This is an opportunity for us to showcase our talent and we’re taking every minute of it,” says Roberts. They’re a close-knit bunch.
READ MORE HERE 

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: New structure for Machel Montano HD

In this edition:

-Counting down to Trinidad Carnival (Trinidad and Tobago)

-HD restructing means less of Machel (Trinidad and Tobago)

- UK Soca Music Awards Voting ( United Kingdom)

- New Album for Adrian Dutchin (Guyana)

- Ninja Dan's Hearing (St. Lucia)
- SLU records personnel changes (St. Lucia)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. There’s lots important stuff going on inside and outside of the music right now. I know thousands of soca fans are overjoyed that the soca floodgates of Trinidad are beginning to open for 2010. Now that Summer is pretty much behind us, you can look forward to an increasing onslaught of releases from your favourite artists in T and T.

For 2010, fans can expect a reconfiguration of Machel Montano’s HD oufit. According to his Mama, Boy Boy will be stepping away from the spotlight to focus on things like music production and song writing. The idea is to make way for the rising stars in his band. You do know who I’m talking about? Right? People like Zan, Patrice Roberts, Farmer, and Umi Marcano!

Nurse Karen and Zan in Toronto, February 2009

So, don’t be shocked if you start seeing advertized performances that do NOT include an appearance from Machel himself. Last Wednesday at Zen in Trinidad, the camp presented a show called “HD Revealed” which showed off the mettle of Machel’s supporting cast as they performed collaborations with artistes such as Cathy Ella, Biggie Irie, General Grant, Tian Winter and Nnika Francis.

The very democratic UK Soca Massive is in the process of honouring top soca talent as we speak. Voting is still open for all 20 Categories in England’s second annual Soca Music Awards. Fans get to vote on both UK based and international talent, best event, DJ, Radio Station and even mas band. If you want in on the action, head over to www.socamusicawards.co.uk . The awards show takes place next Sunday.

It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned Guyanese pretty boy Adrian Dutchin in The Rounds. He gets a little big up this week for releasing a new album entitled: Finally! Between putting out music with Times Two in Guyana, winning Mash Soca Monarch a couple of times, and performing as a frontline vocalist in Krosfyah, he’s been a very busy guy. The album features songs like "Impossible", "Rum Drinkaz" with Terry Gajraj and Hitman, plus his Crop Over release with Peter Ram, FOR ME!!! Congrats Adrian! Glad you got the album done...FINALLY!

Nurse Karen and Adrian Dutchin in New York, September 2008

Speaking of other things that are long overdue, Thursday was the scheduled court date for St. Lucia’s Former OECS Soca Monarch Ninja Dan. He was FINALLY supposed to have a sufficiency hearing in connection to a murder for which he and two others are accused that happened on Valentine’s Day this year. The purpose of the hearing was to decide if there’s enough evidence to support a trial and whether or not the accused would be held until such trial date. Well, I’d love to tell you the answers to those BURNING questions but questions, but sources in St. Lucia simply say that it was adjourned until another date. Ah the joys of the legal system...

Other than that Lucians are still talking about all the changes at SLU Records /Studio 758. Since Ricky T’s departure from the label, former Managing director Dwayne Mendes also stepped down. Now the sole man in charge is producer Irvin “Ace” Loctar who recently announced his vision to diversify the music offering of his company beyond soca. Ilah Man is no longer signed to SLU, but Teddyson John remains with the team. As RPB would say “Something’s Happening!”

Nurse Karen and Ace in St. Lucia, July 2009

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more detail on these and other soca news stories visit Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me ---- Nurse Karen on Twitter. Now...back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: HD Family to release two albums in NY

Machel Beating a Djembe

photo credit: Trinidad Express

Machel fans! Please accept my apologies for not posting this sooner. I've been noticing that you all have been searching like crazy for info on this. Machel Montano an the HD family are still hanging in NYC.

Saturday, they WILL be hosting an album signing event for two albums: Yup!!! Heavenly Drum by Machel Montano and Machel Montano and The HD Family at J&R Music in Manhattan ( Hadda big them up. I bought my audio recorder from there. Last Saturday, I put it in the washing machine by accident, and it still works!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! Really!)

Here's the thing tho. It's a media event. That means not everybody and their brother needs to be all up in there! If you really wanna hang with the artists, and just breeze. Go to Caribbean Friday at Club Element. Word is, the HD fam will be liming tonight!

Very cool that this event is a family affair. The current version of the family includes; Patrice, Zan, Farmer, Umi, and Boy himself. Different vibe than the it's-all-about-Machel song everyone was singing two years ago.

If you manage to sneak in! Grab me both CDs!!!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Musician's View: HD's Dwain Antrobus on UCLA Jazz Reggae Fest

Shot from Cable and Wireless "Pork Lime" Barbados 2008

Left to Right: Kernal Roberts, bMobile Promo Girl, Dwaingerous, Zan and 

(Nurse Karen Etc's) Corey Graham 2.0 

Branching out!!! I Love it. Last weekend while there were three Caribbean Carnivals going on across the US of A, one of the top soca acts took their show west. Machel Montano and 4 members of his HD crew headed to sunny California to nice up the Caribbean entertainment content at UCLA's Jazz/Reggae Festival.

Hotta-fyah Bajan music producer and HD keyboardist, Dwain Antrobus aka Dwaingerous made the trip. He brought home this exclusive personal review of the UCLA experience.

If ya don't know Dwaingerous, hmmmm. I'm pretty sure you know his music! This is the man who solidified Machel and Patrice's heavy impact on Barbados Crop Over in recent years with riddims like; "Feel Nas", "Bad Boy", and plenty more! He's been around way longer than that though.

The 30 year old producer/musician has been touring with Xtatik (now HD) since 2002. He's a self taught pianist who picked it up watching is papa tap those keys as a child in Barbados.

As a youth, he attended Cobermere School, the same institution that turned out other Bajan celebs like pop star, Robin "Rihanna" Fenty and Bajan international saxophonist, Arturo Tappin. Now Dwain splits his time between Barbados and Trinidad, working on his various projects.

Fans:  link up with Dwaingerous on MySpace and Twitter.

Back to LA:

UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival 09 "A Culture of Change"
This was a two day festival, May 24th and 25th.
The 24th (JAM DAY) featured Erykah Badu, De La Soul, Leela James and other local acts.
The 25th (REGGAE DAY) featured Mavado, Peter and Mojo Morgan of Morgan Heritage, Machel Montano, Assassin, Cherine Anderson, Tanto Metro & Devonte.

Here's what Dwain had to say!

HD was well recieved as there was a strong Caribbean support among the 8000 that came out. We did a 30 min performance of the latest hits like "No War", "Unconditional Love", "Higher Than High", "One More Time", "Dance With You", "La Vida", "Bumpers", "Survivors", "It's Carnival".

Place was in total frenzy when HD hit the stage. Those who where sitting in their camp tents and blankets rushed towards the stage when the music started. It was officially party time. 

HD was the most energetic and one of the best performances of that day. Besides Mavado, this was the only time people actually pushed and gathered front stage to take in the perfomance.

Promoters were pleased with Machel's performance and was impressed with the 4 piece band (Darien Bailey, Shawn "Roots" Mitchell, Kernal Roberts and myself) and want to book for next year's event.

We nailed it! The crowd was lovely, the vibe was lovely. We just wanted to give the West Coast something different, and we did. They love us. We made some new fans. I love LA!"

- Dwain

Thanks Dwain!  It's very exciting.  I love to see soca music beginnin to till new soil.  Must be exciting to be a part of that.  Best wishes for another successful Crop Over season.  I know you've been hard at work.  Personally,  I love your new release from The Infamous Frank White, "Wine fuh me Gal".  Also, I'm waiting for you to confirm the rumors that HD's coming real hard this summer.  Will Zan be the new star boy?  We shall wait and see...

Me dear...thanks again for getting this to us!  Keep grindin'.

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

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Eye Unit: Video Blog of The Return Fete

Event: Dr. Jay's Return Fete
Promoter: Dr. Jay, Soca Therapy, KOS
Venue: Kool Haus Toronto

. Dr. Jay, congrats on another great event. Welcome back!


For the rest of you, this is how we do it where I'm from Enjoy!

If you missed the event play-by-play, I can break it down for you here

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Nurse's Lounge: Dr. Jay's Return Fete 2009

My lovely soca family. I ent gonna lie. When I come back from the Caribbean in the winter, the last thing I feel to do is party and celebrate. This weekend was no exception. Dr. Jay and de crew held their annual Return Fete at Kool Haus. The crowd was packed the way I like it: plenty people all over but a good amount of space to spread out and dance.


From the time I got inside, I knew it would be a great night. The crews were out in full force. The energy was high. I was armed with my recorder and some thought provoking questions for the cast. The artistes were amped for a good show. So, let the games begin.

First up was Shawn "Mastamind" Noel. For readers of this blog, you know him best as a top producer, who in just 4 years has produced 6 albums, lodging the Mastamind name firmly in the mind of soca heads like me.

He performed Rum and Roti while Patch was performing the same chune just a few blocks away at the Docks. For Shawn, it was his first time in Kool Haus since he was a part of Asylum Band. The homecoming was sweet. He was accompanied by his wife and manager Natasha, plus Toronto-based Calypsonian Naki Tuitt . (She won Peoples' Choice in 2008 at Caribana's Calypso Monarch Finals) .



Ricky T, caught his flight from St. Lucia this time. This was the make-up performance after missing Soca or Die in November. He paid his dues to the people of Toronto with an energetic show that brought out the flags and rags and powder in abundance.

Then came Zan. Most of you know him for being de dread locked dude in HD who is steady rocking capri shorts and bowties. Lemme just tell allyuh, I for one love off the fashion. More than that, I respect his skills as a very gifted songwriter.

Synergy TV's host of Soca Star, Terrin Callender aka Super Jigga TC wore red pants on Saturday *wink* *wink*. He was last in Toronto spinning tracks for Fay-Ann and Bunji back in December. It was great to see him take the stage as an artiste. New York, it's your turn next. Your favourite Bashment 103 pirate radio dj of yesteryear is returning to BK this weekend. Make sure allyuh go and check him out.

Well if we talking Bashment, you can't leave out Iwer George. De Boss closed out the performance part of the night. Long time I never heard some of those classic Iwer tunes. (Brooklyn, you know he's coming too, right?)

If you missed one of Toronto's most celebrated events on the fete callendar, yes I did grab you a couple of clips. Check them out in the EYE UNIT.

But before you go. Shout outs to a couple of hard working gents from different sides of the tracks: New York's DJ Spice (left), the reigning ISA International Soca DJ of the Year...and Penn from Studio 758 St. Lucia (right). You can hear his musical muscle flexing in all the uptempo productions out of that camp. Great seeing you boys. Keep up the good work!

Soca season 2009 is officially on. More fetes. More music. More fun. MORE SOCA!

Love as always,

(Nurse) Karen

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The Rounds: Soca Makes You Stupid!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds! He’s Ba-ack!  You already know, your man Dr. Jay and the KOS Family have returned from Trinidad Carnival, and last night they gave Toronto a memorable souvenir in the form of Dr. Jay’s Return Fete.  The crowd was bazodee off with performances from Mastamind, Ricky T, Zan, TC and De Boss, Iwer George.  We may have lost an hour last night, but ah feel we found it this morning, cuz I didn’t get home till about 6 am.  So, go figure!

            Here’s a strange one...a college student from California just published a controversial albeit unscientific report on music that makes you dumb.  The study compares and contrasts the musical tastes of American students and their SAT scores.  And guess what: students who prefer soca music over and above all other genres, have the lowest SAT scores on average! I could hear allyuh sucking your teeth from here.  Don’t shoot the messenger!  If you want to see where other styles ranked, check the blog.

            Today is International Women’s Day.  Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating the occasion with events taking place throughout the country in schools and community organizations. In Port of Spain, they held a 5K walk run which wrapped up with a performance from some of the nation’s top female soca artistes and an all female section of the TCL Skiffle Bunch Steelband.

A date has been set for the 28^th annual International Reggae and World Music Awards.  On May 3^rd, a bevy of Caribbean artists will descend upon  Jamaica, New York at the York College Performing Arts Center.  Leading the nominations in 2009 is Mavado with 8 nods, then Elephant Man and Beres Hammond with seven.  But our thing is soca, and yes we’re represented too. Machel Montano, who was a big winner in 2008, is definitely back in the ranks.

            Now that the traditional carnival season has come to an end, next stop Jamaica. Alison Hinds kicked off the Bacchanal Jamaica mas camp fete calendar on Friday with a grand performance for an ecstatic crowd.  Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival was started in 1988 by Jamaican soca empresario Byron Lee, who died of cancer just last year. The festival climaxes easter weekend under the  2009 theme: Gone Hollywood!

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For more information on anything you’ve heard tonight, check me out online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net.  And get your weekly dose of Soca News by downloading the Rounds Podcast from Soca Therapy dot com.  Now, back to de docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: Carnival Tuesday - Evolution Like Ants!

Morning Allyuh, after more than a week in Trinidad...ah starting to show meh red, white and black!  Tuesday on the road was truly a blast.  I was back in Evolution this year in a section called "Guilty Pleasures."  Big up to Umba D'Shepherd for a sweet, organized section full of cool energetic people.  The day started of sweet, and by the end...well lemme just say, my teeth are hurting me!

At different points in the day, Evolution played host to a few Trini artistes who were enjoying a lil jump.  Mr. "Boom-Boomville", Shal Marshall was breezing in his Evolution shorts.  Zan was getting on like a teenage boy, wining down the place, and enjoying the lime with his friends.  Slammer Cutter made an appearance during las' lap to spit a verse from "Hang Over".  It was going great till some revellers who mighta visited the drinks trucks one too many times, decided to carry on stink, and the music had to be shut down.  

If you like bacchanal in a band, Evolution may be the next one to try.  I'm guess we had about 900 revellers, three music trucks, two drinks trucks and a pee-pee truck.  The reveller came out to free up, so the vibes were wild and VERY interactive.  I thought some of the costumes were stunning, but one lady reveller thought her semi-nude body, was a much more attractive site.  My gyel jumped 12 hours on the road in body paint and a panty!  I dunno how de rain ent catch she.  

Big Up to Marxman from KOS and Akil from Associate Degree for holding down the music.  I'm not really a fan of Machel's "Wild Antz", but by de end of the day, I had to give the man a bligh.  De chune was pressure on de road.  Can't figure out why they were pushing that one for road march, when it was obvious through out carnival that "De Road" is the natural favourite.  All that aside, dem HD people real organized, yes!  Machel put in some extra studio time recording Wild Antz dub plates for several mas bands.  He changed up some lyrics to include the band names.  Heard different versions in Tribe, Island People, and of course, Evolution.  He's not the first to try that stunt though.  The Skinny Fabulous camp were hoping to work the same road magic for Head Bad at Vincy Mas in July.  Wasn't enough though.  We'll see if Mr. Montano's luck is any better. 

Who is the real road champion?  That, I dunno.  In our band it was between Destra's "Bacchanal" and Fay Ann's "Meet Superblue." Later on in the day Tusty by Blaxx was played a little more...but I wasn't counting.  I would know by later today, don't fret. 

Today, I'm looking to soak my sore feet in sea.  We did the dog at Carnival 2k9.  Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

 Publish Post

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Booster Shot: 2009 International Soca Monarch Finalists announced

Ok, be honest!  How many of you were watching that choppy live stream of Trinidad soca semis online yesterday instead of the Grammy's? I did AND I've got the results!  Soca is MY music.  So, I could barely wait for today to reach to find out who the judges were feeling.  

Yesterday, the Arima Velodrome played host to the precursor for Trinidad Carnival's most hotly contested event.  It's the place where careers are made, and soca stars are truly born....the 2009 bMobile International Power Soca Monarch competition and Whe International Groovy Soca Monarch competition.  

Respect where respect is due.  Sunday's Semis began right on time, and stage management was clearly handled with style and finesse.  What seemed like a million and a half semi-finalists managed to take to the stage between 4pm and midnightish , all hoping for one of a handful of spots on Fantastic Friday.  In the power category, there were only six available spaces to fill thanks to what I like to call the Caribbean Prestige Foundation's "Lesser Antilles Affirmative Action Plan." De man dem wan call de show INTERNATIONAL, so they made sure of it this year by actually guaranteeing a slot in the finals to each of the  reigning 2008 Soca Monarchs/Party Monarchs/Power Soca Monarchs from the soca power house islands; Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

I didn't catch all, but I watched long enough to know that there are quite a few artistes who seriously mean business this year!  The problem is, there just aren't enough spots at the main event for everyone who feels they paid they dues to get there.  It's ONE MILLION TT DOLLARS at stake, so you better believe the gloves are off!

Who will reign victorious? Hell, if I know...but one thing is for sure, there is no place I would rather be on February 20, 2009!

Congrats to all who made it through.  For all my soca family who didn't make the final cut, we all love your music just the same.  Keep giving your all this season. Besides, the fans are the only judges you need to worry about!  

Love and soca..

(Nurse) Karen

I don't wanna kill you with long talking. So, these are the lucky stars who shone bright enough to make their dreams come true.

Power Soca Monarch Finalists:

Bunji Garlin - Trinidad and Tobago (defending)
Claudette Peters - Antigua and Barbuda(seeded)
Khiomal Nurse - Barbados (seeded)
Luni Sparks and Electrify - Grenada (seeded)
Ricky T - St. Lucia (seeded)
Skinny Fabulous - St. Vincent and the Grenadines (seeded)
Berbice - Grenada
Blaxx - Trinidad and Tobago
Fay-Ann Lyons - Trinidad and Tobago
Iwer George - Trinidad and Tobago
Patrice Roberts - Trinidad and Tobago
Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad and Tobago


Groovy Soca Monarch finalists:

Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad and Tobago (defending)
Benjai - Trinidad and Tobago
Biggie Irie - Barbados
Fay-Ann Lyons - Trinidad and Tobago
Hunter - Trinidad and Tobago
Kerwin Du Bois - Trinidad and Tobago
Nadia Batson - Trinidad and Tobago
Patch and Mastamind - Trinidad and Tobago
Tizzy and Richard Trumpet - Antigua and Barbuda / Trinidad and Tobago
Zan - Trinidad and Tobago
Zoelah - St. Vincent and the Grenadines


Check Up
Ok, I know some of your favourite artists are missing in this list. That's because they didn't score high enough! In case you need a refresher, view the original list of semi-finalists here. Comment below. I'll save my comments for later!

CLICK HERE 

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Booster Shot: Trinidad 2009 International Soca Monarch Semi-Finalists Announced

The Caribbean Prestige Foundation annouced the names of the semi-finalists for the the 2009 bMobile International Soca Monarch competition yesterday in Trinidad.

The Semi Finals will take place on February 8th at the Arima Velodrome. Groovy begins at 4p.m., followed by the Power Soca Monarch.

Here's what you came here for:

Please note: This list does not include the reigning Soca Monarchs and Party Monarchs from around the Caribbean who have been guaranteed a spot in the finals on Friday, February 20th. Therefore five places in the finals have been reserved for Claudette Peters, Khiomal, Luni Sparks and Electrify, Ricky T and Skinny Fabulous.

Groovy Soca Monarch Semi-Finalists

• Alicia Lee
• Ansel Joseph
• Benjai
• Biggie Irie
• Blazz
• Cassie
• Cedonia
• Chucky
• Edwin Yearwood
• Erphaan Alves
• Esther Dyer
• Farmer Nappy
• Faye-Ann Lyons
• Fireball
• Gary Jackson
• Hunter
• Iwer George
• Kerwin Du Bois
• Patch
• Nadia Batson
• Patrice Roberts
• Pelf
• Peter Ram
• Sean Caruth
• Shal Marshall
• Shyann Bailey
• Skhi
• Sugar Raye
• Tracey D
• Tizzy
• Zan
• Zoleah
  

Power Soca Semi-Finalists

• Anslem Douglas
• Benjai
• Berbice
• Blaxx
• Blaze & JW
• Blazer Dan
• Choppa
• Faye-Ann Lyons
• Ivy
• Iwer George
• Jermeeka Mundy
• TC ( The King of Swag)
• Knycky Cordner
• Lil Bitts
• Nadia Batson
• Ninjitsu
• Nnika Francis
• Olatunji
• Patrice Roberts
• Russell Cadogan
• Shurwayne Winchester
• Soca Tech
• Terri Lyons
• Tony Prescott
• Trevor Gore
• Tyra Matthews.
  

Quick comments:

Interesting to see Faye-Ann Lyons name included in the mix, considering that just last year she told the media that she would no longer enter her name in future Soca Monarch competitions. By media I mean the Trinidadian media and myself, when I interviewed her for the cover of WE magazine about one week after Carnival. Beyond that, Faye-Ann will be just shy of 8 months pregnant on the date of the semi-finals. The decision to enter is indeed surprising, but she's been receiving rave reviews for her mid pregnancy performances thus far.

For those of you who don't know the name Terri Lyons, that's Faye-Ann's sister, yes people another one of Superblue's girls. She's been releasing songs for the last few years, however, she hasn't had much success with that. However, Terri is quite gifted in the area of dance, having worked with the Black American Circus in New York.

I would love to see your comments. What do you think about who's up there and who's missing?

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Nurse's Lounge: I dey with my F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Where US-based West Indian events are concerned, Miami is carnival on crack. After the party is the afterparty, after the afterparty, is the after-the-afterparty party...and so on. So, on we go!

UWI fete was a blast in spite of scatterred rain showers...and scattered bar staff.

Then we made a beeline across Pines to Hollywood Blvd. Sosta Lounge was already bumping with a fete called F.R.I.E.N.D.S (a fitting name after we just saw Zan give the cutest ever performance of Out on de Road)

It was definitely nice to check out a smaller venue, packed to the brim with positive vibes and great people.

TriniJungleJuice dot com was there in numbers. When they get their content online, get over there to read their reviews, see the pics, interviews...and you could skip the video. LOL...tell them I say so.

This is Andre, the man behind TriniJungleJuice. Remember Cool & Dre? This is a different Dre...but they resemble, no?

The party was HOT...as in temperature. Let's be real. How often do I attempt to wear my hair straight? Most of the night, I kept to the patio. I wasn't gonna fight up with that sauna.

Inside there were brief performances from Iwer George and Skhi. OUTSIDE...the patio lime. As my Toronto posse can attest, no good soca fete is complete without a guest appearance from our very own hometown hero NBA Center, Jamaal Magloire. The Toronto-native was recently traded to the Miami Heat. Unfortunately, he managed to royally mess up his left hand in an exhibition game in Paris. He's out for 4 to 6 weeks.

Jamaal, and his CLUB. It's so not funny....but boooooyyyyy dah real funny jed!

Thanks to Radioactive Sound System, the night ended on a high note. Hyper Hopper and DJ Dane brought F.R.I.E.N.D.S. to a full boil. I went in for a serious workout....and prolly lost about 5 lbs of water.

Dane, party done. You could go and sleep now.

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The Rounds: Machel on the cover of Billboard this week!

Grenada crowned its first ever road march Queen this past week. Miney ruled the road with her reveller's anthem 10,000 masqueraders. The song was produced by grenada's Shawn "Mr. Roots" Mitchell…who also plays bass for Machel Montano HD. The song was co-written by Wayne Green of Homebase Ent, who worked with Kasey Phillips from Trinidad's Precision Productions to create the roadmix that had the Carenage jumping on Tuesday.

In the ongoing saga of who-beat-up-who outside Zen Night Club in Port of Spain in April 2007…the names oftwo of the accused have been cleared. Victim Russell Pollonais told the magistrate that Zan was not involved in the beating, and that Kernal Roberts did not assault him. He emphasized that his memory did not need jogging.

Here I am in Trinidad with Kernal Roberts, drummer/musical director/producer extraordinaire

So that leaves two soca celebs yet on the hot seat: Machel Montano and Benjai. Here's an upate on what those guys are doing, instead of worrying their heads over the charges. Machel Montano continues to blaze the trail to international soca stardom. Look out for your favourite Winer Boy on the cover of Billboard Magazine on shelves now.

Liming with Machel

Machel is the first ever soca artiste to grace the cover page, however, fellow Trinidadian calypso greats the Mighty Sparrow and David Rudder shared that honour in 1993. Machel was interviewed by Veteran writer Pat Moschino while in Barbados for Crop Over.

As for Benjai - He's getting ready to head to Berlin for the first time for a couple of shows on September 6th and 7th alongside Germany's Soca Twins.

Hanging with the Soca Twins

That's all fine and dandy, but the real news is this. Benjai's management is looking to launch a new band for the artist…and all of the musicians will be female. So, if you're a GIRL and you play keyboards, drums, guitar, bass, or violin. There might be a job out there for you!

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The Rounds: Machel Mania...

Good Evening Soca Lovers,



I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.



As the countdown to Caribana continues, a delegation of Toronto’s Carnival Elite are packing their bags to represent our city at Chicago’s Sister Cities Festival, tomorrow through Wednesday. In the crew you’ll find the likes of Steel Panist Earl La Pierre Jr, Calypsonian Macoomeh Fifi and Tribal Knights Bandleader Dexter Seusahai. They will be taking to the stage for three days hoping to urge our friends to make the trip north for North America’s Largest Outdoor Festival.




Trinidad’s Mr. Slaughter celebrated his 31st birthday last Wednesday after a memorable weekend at the best of the best show in Miami. The DJ turned soca artiste has also been trying his hand at reggae in recent months, lending his voice to the Devil’s Angel rhythm on a track called Highest Grade. Sticking to his original DJ roots, you can look forward to hearing DAWG-E on the 1’s and 2’s in Toronto on June 14th at the next edition of Soca Sweetness’ signature party – THE BUZZ.

In Toronto, we're wishing a happy belated b-day to soca artiste Slammer Cutter, whose big day was yesterday. Also celebrating a birthday TODAY, is the lovely and talented Alison Hinds. Now 38, she’s showing no signs of slowing down as she prepares for the Square One Reunion Concert in Barbados on July 26th.

Farm P, Nurse Karen and Slammer Cutter at the Flow 93.5 studios in Toronto.

For those of you Machel fans out there. He seems to be focused on Barbados these days too. Mr. Montano was heard on a popular bajan radio station announcing his plans to perform on the road with the Kadooment Band - Cable and Wireless Contact for the next 3 years. Most likely, that means there’s pretty much no chance that HD will be gracing any stages for Caribana any time soon. Speaking of HD...time for a new lingo. Caribbean Planet! You heard it here first, High Definition is soon to be a thing of the past. The Xtatik family are setting their sights on world domination with a brand new theme for 2009.

Still didn’t get your Machel Montano fix? Well last week, the trial finally began for that alleged assault incident at Zen night club involving Machel, Zan, Benjai and Kernal Roberts. It was delayed a few days due to his engagements in Miami. And boy were the courts unhappy about that, even though Montano’s lawyer says that a letter was issued on March 5th saying that he would not be available for the scheduled date. So, it finally kicked off on Thursday and continues throughout this week. I’ll be keeping an ear to the ground as until we can finally lay this thing to rest.




I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please send me your comments at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And don’t forget to grab the Rounds podcast at soca therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Rihanna says she might sing soca

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.

Is it just me, or is everybody and the brother talking about Barack Obama? If you think it's just Hollywood actors and pop stars, think again! At the beginning of the month, Calypso's living legend Slinger Francisco aka The Mighty Sparrow added his name to the list of Barack supporters. He released a song called "Barack the Magnificent". It's a glowing reference letter for the Democrat's leading candidate. PERSONALLY, I have plenty respect for anyone who want to take a stance against war and genocide. But how I'm not an American, I would let dem Yankees sort theyselves out. So you could consider THIS to be your antiviolence edition of the Rounds.

Guyana's Mashramani Carnival came to an end yesterday with the annual float parade. Mashramani is an Amerindian word that means "Celebration of a job well done." The parade happens each year on Guyana's Republic Day of February 23rd. But this year the occasion was overshadowed by recent tragic killing sprees in the communities of Lusignan and Bartica. While some chose to boycott the event due to the atmosphere of mourning, several churches, government ministries, mas bands and citizens came out to enjoy a moment of levity in celebration of the nation's 38th year of independence.

Last night the island of Jamaica hosted the Smile Jamaica – Africa Unite concert and Rihanna performed there for the first time. Now, we all know the world renowned good-girl-gone-bad doesn't sing soca….but while in Jam Down she did tell a journalist that she is open to trying new things and will probably try her hand a singing soca music one day.

Still high off her first Grammy win, Bajan pop icon Rihanna is enjoying all the attention it brings. This past week, she dipped home to Barbados for a national celebration of her success. The government honoured the 20 year old singer by naming her the county's Cultural Ambassador. And just to be sure she doesn't forget where she came from, they actually gave her a plot of land in St. James parrish.

Finally a date has been set to hear the assault case of Machel, Kernal, Zan and Benjai. That's right…I AM STILL talking about the fight that took place at Zen night club last April that left two men injured. In your last update, I told you the magistrate was going to wait until after carnival to get this thing started. And so it goes. The four will appear in court on assault charges May 26th, 29th and June 2nd. They better get it all sorted out, cuz I hoping they go be here for Caribana! Just say no to violence!

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or post them on Nurse Karen Etc at Triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot Net. Now, back to de Docta!

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The Rounds - October 14, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. I hope allyuh had a safe and happy thanksgiving with family and friends. So, now are you ready for Christmas? I realize it’s a bit early to ask that question, but we had a few nights this week when I could have sworn that Santa Claus was on his way!
Mastamind Productions is getting ready for the holidays early as well. Tomorrow their brand new “Mastamind Christmas” CD drops. I’m talking about 15 tracks featuring songs by Leon Coldero, De Postman, Third Bass and others. Soca Parang, Classical Parang, and good old fashioned Christmas Carols too.
For Zan, Friday last was feeling more like Halloween. It must have been like a horror scene when the 26 year old soca singer, missed his long overdue court appearance, because - he slept in! If you remember, Zan was one of the soca rat pack who got mixed up in that Zen night club fracas back in April. Zan’s attorney told the magistrate that his client had worked until 6 a.m. that morning and was to go home, just to change his clothes for court. Apparently, Einstein took a little nap while he was there and missed the whole thing.
So, HERE’s the latest. Machel, Kernal and Benjai were there, and they all plead NOT GUILTY to the assault charges. Miss Magistrate seemed to share my festive mood, deciding to wait until sometime AFTER the carnival season to revisit the matter.
When thinking of yearly celebrations, there’s one that comes to mind, that FOR ME is way more exciting than all the others. MY BIRTHDAY! I’m a soca Scorpio and that means I will be celebrating life on November 3rd with about 35 hundred of my closest friends; Dr. Jay, Marxman, Umba d Shepherd and YOU. We going to KoolHaus on November 3rd for Soca or Die 7. And we feting till morning with Nadia Batson, Problem Child, Tizzy, Adrian Dutchin and more. Get your tickets before they sell out! Ah cyan wait!
MTV Tempo is celebrating a birthday in November TOO! Yes, the Caribbean music channel will be ringing in its second anniversary on November 6th.
If you’ve ever seen MTV Tempo, they’re on to a good thing. Little by little they are helping the music of the Caribbean cross the seas to audiences in all the islands. Lately, Shurwayne Winchester hooked up with a producer from another land thanks to TEMPO. Shurwayne and Alton Bertie teamed up on a song called “Carnival Please Stay”. Bertie is from the Virgin Islands. The duo met up at the Air Port in Puerto Rico on their ways home from the Rock the Tempo concert in St. Thomas.
The anniversary party features another all-start line up of hit makers in soca and reggae. If you can find a way to catch that broadcast, you can expect performances from Beres Hammond, Ziggy Ranking and Krosfyah (who coincidentally will be bringing the live accompaniment at Soca or Die).
I’m nurse Karen and those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. If you feel like celebrating something, text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5, now back to the doctor! Now, back to de Docta!

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The Rounds - September 23, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s rounds. Did I ever tell you how much I LOVE SOCA. Well, if you pay attention to the way WE music getting popular right here in Toronto, it’s clear that I not the only one!
Alison Hinds is now Rolling it all over Much Music. Zoelah Going Down Low, right here on Flow…and anywhere you find Caribbean people, you can find carnival. And DAT is a thing of beauty, ah tell yuh. For all you who thinking that de parties and dem done, now that school is back in session, remember that Fall is a season full of fete!
It’s Caribbean Week in Toronto from September 26th to 30th in Toronto. Head over to Yonge-Dundas Square on Wednesday for a FREE live performance from Nookieman Jamesy P. For other details check out triple W dot Caribbean Week dot C.A.


Down in New Orleans, Cultural Diversity Day has returned to Marconi meadows park after a two year hiatus. The city was robbed of nearly all of it’s cultural celebrations when Hurricane Katrina caused thousands of residents to leave their homes behind. So this year, they ready to party it up again with the help of Montserrat’s Soca King Arrow.
Most of you know that Miami Carnival is in just 3 weeks. Right in line with our Thanksgiving weekend So, if school is really getting your goat. You might want to treat yourself to a hot weekend getaway. The 23rd annual Caribbean festival hits the road on October 7th, featuring Shadow, Iwer George, Biggie Irie, and many more.

From (Nurse) Karen (Etc)

California’s got next. They’re celebrating 10 years of Carnival in Los Angeles…and I bet most of you didn’t even know they had one at all. It’s called Caricabela. It celebrates the carnival cultures of both the English and Spanish speaking Caribbean. Not a bad mix at all! So that’s what’s up on October 14th.
So, I went easy on Machel all Summer. I figured if the Trinidad government and them wanted to leave him be for his hectic performance season, then who am I to do any different. But it’s Autumn now, and it’s time to get serious. Trinidad’s rat pack went back to Court this week to get on with the proceedings in regards to assault of two men outside of Zen night club in Port of Spain. They all showed up Machel, Benjai, Kernal and Zan….all in long sleeves looking like they going church. As is turns out, they had no reason to worry. The trial has been delayed once again. This time because Jerron Joseph, the newly appointed State attorney doesn’t think he’s quite ready to DO HIS JOB. He says, he only received the case on Monday…so the court has adjourned the proceedings until October 12th, when the y will begin to discuss a start date for the trial.
Now, I wasn’t there. So I can’t say who DO what…but I can say Machel is one LUCKY son of a gun. And I suspect that news just bought him a few more performance dates. So Autumn is looking like the real Wining Season across the board.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s Rounds. If you’re still looking for a good wine right here in Toronto, don’t forget to get your tickets to Soca or Die 7. on November 3rd.!
Please text any comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now, back to de doctor

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