Byron Lee, the driving force behind Jamaica's Calypso-soca scene, is also the brains behind that island's rapidly expanding carnival celebration. Years ago he threw a little fete on the Kingston campus of the University of... more » the West Indies; today the several-weeks-long event features a full pantheon of Caribbean Calypso and soca stars, a tentative hybrid called "soggae," as well as concerts headlined by Jamaican vintage artists, the greats of ska, rock steady, and early reggae. The dizzying array of events, parties, parades, and marches draws celebrants from all over the world, including other islands, especially Trinidadians, who come not only to quench an insatiable party thirst but to cast a nervous eye on the competition. For this set, Lee and his band re-create the unique flavor of Jamaican carnival with their interpretations of hits by leading exponents like Trinidad's David Rudder and Machel Montano. Although measuring up to the original interpretations is near impossible, the Dragonaires acquit themselves admirably, and while some find soca's insistent thudding beat monotonous, Lee and company prove that from armchair dancer to "champion bubbler," no one can resist soca's call to "jump and wine." --Elena Oumano« less
Byron Lee, the driving force behind Jamaica's Calypso-soca scene, is also the brains behind that island's rapidly expanding carnival celebration. Years ago he threw a little fete on the Kingston campus of the University of the West Indies; today the several-weeks-long event features a full pantheon of Caribbean Calypso and soca stars, a tentative hybrid called "soggae," as well as concerts headlined by Jamaican vintage artists, the greats of ska, rock steady, and early reggae. The dizzying array of events, parties, parades, and marches draws celebrants from all over the world, including other islands, especially Trinidadians, who come not only to quench an insatiable party thirst but to cast a nervous eye on the competition. For this set, Lee and his band re-create the unique flavor of Jamaican carnival with their interpretations of hits by leading exponents like Trinidad's David Rudder and Machel Montano. Although measuring up to the original interpretations is near impossible, the Dragonaires acquit themselves admirably, and while some find soca's insistent thudding beat monotonous, Lee and company prove that from armchair dancer to "champion bubbler," no one can resist soca's call to "jump and wine." --Elena Oumano
"Having been born and brought up in St Lucia in the Caribbean, I work and live all over the world, but always have Byron Lee to hand to keep me happy and remind me of the Caribbean and its sunshine and partying atmosphere. Byron Lee is essential and will raise the spirits whenever played. Classic stuff."
Byron Lee...The BEST party CD of the summer!
Andy Brown | Kansas City, Kansas | 06/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Oh my god! I went to the Bahamas just this Spring Break '99, and the song Doggie brought back sooooo many memories! Especially from the Booze Cruise! HAHAHAHA! Well, I suggest EVERYONE gets this CD! It's soooo Sweet! Especially if you're having a pool party or something, this is the best CD. I friend of mine is having a going away pool party for me at his house, and I'm definately bringing this CD! BUY THIS!"
GREAT CD!!
Andy Brown | 08/27/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was in the Cayman Islands in August '99 and they kept playing the song "Doggie", over and over again. Whenever I hear it now, it brings me back to the "fun in the sun" memories that I have of vacation. The other songs on the CD are true Caribbean flavor and this is a "must have" for anyone who enjoys a Caribbean beat!"
100% PURE SOCA AT IT'S BEST!
Andy Brown | 07/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"IF YOU ARE JUST BEGINNING TO GET FAMILIAR WITH SOCA MUSIC, THIS CD IS A GREAT ONE TO START OFF YOUR COLLECTION. IF YOU WANT TO GET IN THE CARIBBEAN MOOD I GUARANTEE YOU THIS ONE WILL DO IT. LISTENING TO THE SONG "DOGGIE" BROUGHT BACK SOME GREAT MEMORIES FROM THE JOLLY ROGER TOUR DOWN IN BARBADOS. IT SEEMS THAT BYRON LEE KNOWS HOW TO GET PEOPLE TO START DANCING CARIBBEAN STYLE!"
Socafrenzy - Soca music at its best.
eddiebauer@worldnet.att.net | NJ - USA | 06/23/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Socafrenzy is another great CD from the quintessential soca band Byron Lee & The Dragonaires. The music is engaging and begs the listener to jump, shake, bump n grind. My favorite tracks are 'High Mass', 'Oh Suzannna', 'Aye, Aye, Aye', and 'Soca Congaline'. This CD belongs in any collection of WI music."