LORD INVADER - CALYPSO IN NEW YORK

Inspired improvisation and compelling rhythms, created by piano, small orchestra, and sometimes a drum and hand clapping, characterize these performances, which Lord invader (Rupert Westmore Grant, 1914-1962) recorded for Moses Asch in the 1940s and 1950s. Whether recounting events in Trinidad, describing his experiences in New York City, performing traditional songs, or criticizing American racism, Lord Invader combines rhythms and ideas in his unique calypsonian fashion. Thirteen of the 26 tracks are released here for the first time. Extensive annotations by John Cowley include lyrics, bibliography, and discography. 73 minutes. 32-page booklet. Compiled and annotated by John Cowley.

Out the Fire
2 Ten Thousand to Bar Me One
3 Cousin Family
4 When You Hear I Die
5 New York Subway
6 Me One Alone
7 Sly Mongoose
8 Happy Land of Canaan (#2)
9 Mary Ann
10 Yankee Dollar
11 Pepsi-Cola
12 Tied-Tongue Baby
13 God Made Us All
14 The Soldiers Came and Broke Up My Life (#2)
15 Labor Day
16 Brown Girl in the Ring
17 Chicago, Chicago (#2)
18 My Intention Is War
19 No Place Like the West Indies
20 My Experience on the Reperbahn (2nd Version) - Lord Invader and His Calypso Group
21 Auf Wiedersehen - Lord Invader and His Calypso Group
22 Cat O'Nine Tails - Lord Invader and His Calypso Group
23 Crisis in Arkansas - Lord Invader and His Calypso Group
24 Steel Band War - Lord Invader and His Calypso Group
25 You're Wasting Your Time (#2)
26 I'm Going Back to Africa