The Rounds - February 25, 2007

Good evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. The best part (as you already know) is Dr. Jay is back in de building!
The ICC Cricket World Cup gets underway in two weeks. Naturally, the price of plane tickets has risen to the occasion. So, if you’re upset that you won’t be there to watch our boys bat that ball to victory, you might want to check your favourite record store for the Official Soundtrack. Out on VP records, the CD entitled “Caribbean Party” features songs by TOK, Morgan Heritage, Tanya Stephens, Beres, Buju, Elephant Man…and “The Game of Love and Unity” by Rupee, Faye-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Shaggy.
On January 21st, 2007. Doctor Jay de Soca Prince made a prediction. It had a little something to do with a man named Machel Montano and a tune called Jumbie. Well Soca people, whether you owe de man a beer or a plate of pelau – it is now time to pay up! Machel Montano was able to secure his third ever Roadmarch win on Tuesday, beating out all other competitors by a landslide. According to the official count, “Jumbie” was played 388 times, whereas Shurwayne’s “Open De Gate” came second with only 34 plays. Imagine dat! Sugar Boy by Patrice Roberts managed to sneak in for third with 33 spins.
This Carnival, revelers had to display their costumes on the road in front of Queen’s Park Savannah rather than on stage. Remember, I’ve been telling you about the new cultural centre they’re building for that. Well my friends, it wasn’t ready for Carnival 2007, and it looks like it may not be ready for next year either. Trinidad’s Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams let the cat out of the bag on Friday. There’s a possibility that part of the centre may be ready for next February, but definitely not all.
So I done tell you that Biggie Irie is the new groovy soca monarch in Trinidad, right? His winning composition “Nah Going Home” has been a hit since Crop Over 2006, but it may be hitting in more ways than one. Hitting him with a copyright infringement lawsuit that is. I know I can’t be the ONLY soca fan who also loves the classic Irish rock band “U2”. Ever since I first heard Biggie’s song, I’ve been looking through my cassettes from elementary school. “But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for!” As it turns out, when Biggie Irie borrowed that melody to create the chorus for Nah going home, he didn’t bother to clear samples. The monarch crown will not be affected by this infringement, but Irie’s pocket book COULD be cleared out if the mega band decides to take up the breach of their copyright in court.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. Send me your comments at soca at FLOW 935 dot com…and don’t forget to buy your Return Fete tickets starting this Tuesday. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds - February 11, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. In case you’re still catching on, Dr. Jay done gone and lef we, for greener pastures…lit-er-al-ly. Instead of making you wine from 6 to 9, he’s off in Trinidad entertaining an entire country in a sleep deprived, drunken stupor. …and you better believe, I am well jealous. It’s alright -- this Sunday you’re among friends. You’ve got the one called Spex from de Riddim Track, plus Marxman AND Soca Sweetness of the Kingdom of Soca to keep your warm tonight.
And I tellyuh ladies, dat is not a bad deal at all right before Valentine’s day. So it may not be 30 degrees n’ Sunny in Toronto, but we definitely have some lovely reasons to smile.
Last Sunday was the International Power Soca and Groovy Soca Semi-Finals in Trinidad. Hear nah, every country in the West Indies has a Soca Monarch or Party Monarch or King or Queen or Some-Ting-So, but let’s face it… The international Soca Monarch Competition of Trinidad and Tobago is the most important competitive stage in the soca world! Besides the fact that Trinidad is the birth place of the art form, forget the fact that Trini carnival is the biggest in the region. This thing REALLY matters because up here in Toronto we are going to have to listen to the winning songs over and over and over again at every single soca fete between now…and Caribana.
So let the judges be warned. Allyuh can’t afford to make mistakes.
Now sometimes the competition is international in name alone, but this year was surely different. Minmi from Japan secured a spot in the Power Final for “Sha-na-na”…de Japanese wine ting, so did Barbados’ Barry Chandler.
In the Groovy section, Grenada’s Nnika Francis hopes to croon her way to the top. But to do that, she will have out-sing the BAJAN to be beat! Biggie IRIE came up with the top score and he .. .”Nah Goin Home”…till carnival DONE!
I know there has to be someone out there wondering how “dis bold face vincy gyul go be talking about de Soca Monarch race in TRINIDAD” without mentioning how the Trini artists fared on their home turf.
Two words: NADIA BATSON. If you were at Soca or Die 4 last year, you saw her command the STAGE with Kes the Band. If you were at Soca or Die 5, you saw her command the CROWD with the Big Artist Crew. If you were at Hasley Crawford Stadium on Sunday night you would have seen her command the judges with her performance of “My Land” featuring Kees Dieffenthaller which earned her a first place finish in the Power Soca Semis. Your Caribbean, Your Caribean,Your Caribbean Girl was not satisfied with just one victory, yuh know. On the groovy side, Miss Batson scored just three points behind Biggie Irie for an impressive second place. I had a chat with Nadia this week…and if you want to know more, you can check out the article on Torontolime.com
The finals take place this Friday night, when Shurwayne Winchester will defend the crown in both categories. It’s gonna be an amazing show with veterans like Crazy and first time competitors like Mr. Slaughter and everything in between.
Check fuh meh next week, and I promise to fill you in.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. Send your comments to SOCA at FLOW 935 dot com. Or send me chocolate and roses to the station. Spex dahlin’….back to you.

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The Rounds - February 4, 2007

Good Evening Dr. Jay, and Good Evening Soca Lovers. I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
Today is Super Sunday. And while millions of eyes are glued to the TV set, I want to thank you for giving us your EARS at the very least! To tell you the truth, I couldn’t care less about American football…so I’m fine with watching Dr. Jay and Marxman sneak a peak at the game between songs.
You know what I DO CARE about, right? That’s right dahlin…Ah love meh soca. Last night was the 12th Annual Doh Cry Ah Leaving party. The big fete was Toronto’s last chance to party alongside de Soca Prince for nearly a month….Then it’s off to Trinidad for Carnival. Lucky HIM.
On top of all the hot new music and great company last night, soca fans were treated to a Big announcement from de Doctor himself. In case you haven’t heard…Toronto’s own Soca Sweetness is the newest addition to the illustrious Kingdom of Soca family. So if you don’t about this man’s musical sugar, get ready to take a taste of this all-star DJ working his magic at a fete near you.
Down in Trinidad a brand to soca star has emerged from the Idol-style competition on Synergy TV. Umi Marcano sealed the deal on Thursday with a performance of Machel’s “One more wine”. As the winner of…(check the tongue twister) Synergy Soca Star Season 2, Umi is in great Company. Last year’s winner, Fireball is blazing up the charts with his release “What I Want”….A tune that had ME BLAZING up de dance floor last night.
While I’m on the topic of dancing, I’m looking for someone to teach me the bicycle wine. I heard that Miss Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon is doing her stretches to prepare for the Soca Monarch finals. Belfon is hoping her Bicycle Wine routine will convince the judges to let her ride RIGHT into the top four. She might just be right…and If I could borrow she bicycle to help me get ahead, I might just be riding in time for Spring.
Because I’ve SEEN what happens when Saucy Wow gives a show, those of you travelling to Trinidad for Carnival will be happy to know that the promoters of the International Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch shows sat down last week to address security issues for the big night. There will be no tickets sold at the gate on Fantastic Friday, so get them things arranged quick. It’s going to be a great night!
The building excitement around TnT’s carnival is rubbing off on its Caribbean neighbours in Jamaica. Adventure is the theme for Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival 2007. The season kicks off on Friday, with the opening of Mas Camp Village. Jamaica carnival has a couple months to go until it’s as hot as can be, but with the ICC Cricket World Cup coming to town at the same time…it really will be a great adventure.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds for Super Sunday 2007. Please send your comments to SOCA at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Now back to de docta…

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The Rounds - January 28, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers! I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds.

It’s been a fun week in the world of soca music, let ME tell YOU. With several islands throughout the Caribbean preparing for carnival, there’s no shortage of great new music…and a healthy dose of competition to keep the quality at its best.

Down in Martinique it’s all about mizik veeday. That’s quite literally the music of mas. For those of us more familiar with the music of the English Caribbean, the best way to describe it…,is Super fast zouk - filled with sexually charged lyrics, kinda like soca, but all sung in Creole.

Dominica’s carnival is now in full swing too. Mas Domnik is touted as the most orginial carnival in the Caribbean celebrating Soca, Zouk and Bouyon. It also gives special attention to the islands indigenous carib people.

Guyana’s soca monarch contenders are vying for the chance to steal the crown right off Adrian Dutchin’s head…but not if I have anything to say about Dat!

More news from the Mastamind camp. Music man Shawn Noel just announced that he’s doing his part to bring soca to a broader audience. Now, fans of the various Mastamind projects will be able to purchase their favourite songs from itunes. And If you’ve ever searched itunes for soca - you’ll know it’s long overdue. Until now, the most you could get is…the SOCA THERAPY podcast. Not that I complaining….but I’m happy to see something that will put some money directly in the pockets of Caribbean artists.

Speaking of the soca audience…a popular Caribbean web community will soon be the subject of a song by Problem Child. This past week a discussion about the new song by Kevin Lyttle and Problem Child, turned ugly. One poster decided to get personal making comments about the artist and his sister. Sources say Problem Child is fighting fire with the fire he knows best. He’s already been in studio recording a tune making reference to certain commess loving forum posters using their screenames. So allyuh who love gossip...let that be a lesson to yuh.

Woy…like I said, this week is pure kicks. Allyuh know that I enjoy working with the doctor…but not just that, I respect the man as a person. Lots of people respect him, yes…and I mean everywhere. They damn well just wan’ be de man. The longer I bring you the rounds, the more I realize it. In 2005, it was a radio show in St. Kitts with a segment called Pan Moments. In 2006, it was a radio show in Antigua called Soca Therapy. In 2007, they’re taking it out the studio and into the dancehall...and its getting closer to home. A group of promoters in Brooklyn New York are in the midst of organizing a fete called “Doh Cry Ah Leaving”…and it’s not even the first time. I thought that was funny enough in itself…but what was even madder is that one of Dem Boys and Dem messaged me on MySpace asking me if Dr. Jay would mind if I post his bootleg flyer on MY PAGE!!!! Cheeez!

I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please send your comments to soca at flow 935 dot com. Now back to de doctor.

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The Rounds - January 21, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s rounds. It’s great to be back here at Flow after a much needed vacation. The last two Sundays I was liming on de beach with toda mi gente latina en Santo Domingo, but trust me, allyuh were on my mind. Now…I am back AND black and ready to roll.



I hear that Doctor Jay can’t stop talking about de big Doh Cry fete that is nearly sold out once again. He could tell you “Doh Cry” all he wants, but I feel is cry you go cry when you realize exactly what the man is leavin you for. Trinidad carnival season is upon us, and in case you live under a rock it is one of the best shows on earth. A couple hot weeks of music and madness, beauty and pageantry that really can’t be beat.

Down in the twin island republic, fresh new soca music is blazing up the dancehalls and airwaves. Every DAY is news. Rita Jones break way from Roy Cape All-Stars. Rikki jai is competing for Chutney monarch after a three year absence. Artistes are scratching their heads for new ways to catapult themselves to popularity and mas camps are busy building costumes for thousands of revelers from home and abroad. Doh cry? You mad or wha? Doctor Jay has a first class ticket to paradise, while de rest ah we go get lef back in de snow.

This past week Trinidad’s national library system launched a program called Lyrics and Song that will bring soca stars into the library to speak to youth about social issues. Kees Dieffenthaller and Nadia Batson of Kes the Band were first up to bat and Alison Hinds, Destra and Maximus Dan will be taking their turns over the next four weeks. The first session dealt with HIV/AIDS education, warning youth not to be completely dotish during carnival. They spoke on the theme, if you dream it, you can achieve it. And I really believe that, which is why I hay dreaming about Port of Spain.

You every wonder who is the J’ouvert Fiddler? Do you remember that instrumental track from Carnival 2006? Better yet, over Christmas were you curious to know who were the parangderos who pumped out “Black Cake and Sorrel”? If you look on the back of those CDs, the songs are credited to “Da SPIRITS”, but who are the Spirits, really? People who talk soca with me know that I have a lot of respect for the producers….the sound men who pull all the elements together to make a song sound just right. I’m sure you could tell - I’m a huge fan of Shawn Mastamind Noel. Well, on Thursday Mr. Noel let the cat out the bag issuing a release identifying himself as THE sole instrumentalist on those masterpiece works. Shawn dahlin, If I WAS wearing a hat, I would take it off to you right now. Your music sweet, sweet and nice.
One of the most anticipated events when it comes to carnival music is the 2007 International Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch competition. Last year, Shurwayne Winchester marched off with both the crowns and all de money…only time will tell if he can do it again.
What I CAN say now is the organizers are making some changes to make the show even better this go round. More than $8 million dollars TT is committed to producing one unforgettable night. It also makes me feel nice that veteran music man Crazy intends to compete with the young bucks in the groovy section with his sexy hit “Cold Sweat”

MTV Europe has signed on to broadcast both competitions as well as other snippets from carnival. The groovy soca show will feature 10 finalists rather than six and the guest acts will be Machel, KMC, Destra and Beenie Man.

So, what to say friends? …it’s official Doctor Jay is soon leaving for Carnival, but Doh Cry. You could get a taste of the carnival action at Doh Cry Ah Leaving 12 on Saturday, February 3rd. Doh Cry, but Doh stick…tickets nearly DONE sell off.

I’m nurse Karen and those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send me your comments at SOCA at FLOW 935 dot COM. Now back to de doctor…

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