Mi Swing Es Tropical by Quantic & Nickodemus
A fairly well-known one to start with. Will Holland (Quantic) is a genius. He has recorded under various different guises, but I love the stuff that he has done with Colombian musicians best. If you’ve not heard of him check his Best of Quantic LP for a great introduction. You need to hear his other band Ondatropica too. They were awesome at last year’s WOMAD festival.
Kronto by Happy Boys
I dug deep for this one - A cover of Dillinger’s Cocaine In My Brain sung in Srinang, the Dutch based Creole language of Suriname. Instead of New York, he sings about Paramaribo the capital of Suriname. It satisfies the Geographer within me as well. This is an awesome tune and will get its debut at the next Tropical Beats.
Pas Contente by Vaudou Game
A new record. Vaudou Game are a band recently formed by Togolese musician Peter Solo but with a link back to the ‘70s through his uncle, Roger Damawuzan who sings on this. He features on the African Scream Contest compilation (Analog Africa) with his original band. Pas Contente is a gem with that Afro funky sound and serious voodoo rhythm. They also have an LP coming out soon.
Chambolina by Lord Power and Calypso Quintet
A Jamaican Mento track. This is a really old one and probably my favourite tune if I had to have just one. It’s easier to get on 78 than 45, but I managed to find an old crackly copy. I can play it over and over as it just makes me smile and want to dance - I have to limit myself to only one play a night at Tropical Beats though, usually near home time.
Pitchy Patchy by Junior Byles
I love reggae and especially Junior Byles. Another one I can stick on repeat. A great roots tune with an upbeat feel. My only complaint about this is it’s way too short. I found this track on a compilation LP in Big Apple Records. Steve who runs the shop is great and has sold me most of my Reggae over the years.
Tropical Beats is a new monthly night at Jam Café. The next one is on Saturday 23 August 2014. Expect to hear all of the tunes above and many more like them.
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