CLASSIC CALYPSO. MIGHTY SHADOW'S I COME OUT TO PLAY. MUSICAL MUSINGS BY DR. GEORGE ROBERTS

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MUSICAL MUSINGS BY DR. George Roberts
CLASSIC CALYPSO CONCERT PIANO SERIES
SHADOW’S ‘I COME OUT TO PLAY’
DR. GEORGE ROBERTS: PIANO AND ARRANGEMENT
DR. GWENDOLYN FEVRIER-ROBERTS: VIDEOGRAPHY

I have been told by someone who experienced it that for the 1974 carnival, the Mighty Shadow ruled the streets of Port of Spain. He had not only the road march ‘Bassman’, but also this second placed classic about a woman who came out to have a good time for Tuesday night’s ‘Las’ Lap’.

“But yuh dancin’ like yuh ‘fraid to touch me.”
I come out to play!
“Hold me tight around meh belly.”
“Like yuh ‘fraid meh man go beat yuh.”
“Me aint have no man, I tell yuh.”

I am offering an eclectic treatment of this timeless classic. Starting with an aggressive ascending run, it segues through a spectrum of rhythms and moods. Be sure to look out for ‘Real confusion’ close to the end.

“I only hope you aint have no woman in de band,
Cuz if you have a woman, dat go be real confusion.
I am in search of a man with your description,
And yuh got to play wid me from now until Ash Wednesday!”

For those who may wonder, the extended clenched fist exhibited at the start and repeated in other episodes in the piece is reminiscent of the pose that Shadow often adopted during his performances.

Classic Caribbean culture

This has been a labour of love. In order for these musings to be more conveniently accessible I have launched a YouTube channel. This can be found at https://youtu.be/v7dcOf2KVic. I would be grateful if everyone subscribes, shares and likes it. Also encourage friends and family to do likewise. I will be regularly uploading musical musings to this site as they emerge.

Thanks to all those who have contacted me to express their appreciation for my efforts. It is very gratifying to learn of the difference that I’m making in some lives.

GMR