29th Annual Mother’s Day All Star Caribbean Festival: Double DVD

Review

The 29th Annual Mother’s Day double DVD tells a lot about the challenge of producing and recording an All Star variety show and maintaining high standards in every dimension. Billed as a tribute to the Grandmaster, Kitch, there is no story line, per se, but a parade of seventeen artistes ably accompanied by Errol Ince’s orchestra. Tommy Joseph keeps the pace moving and gives his own well-timed show as the MC.

Putting aside the occasional sound distortions, the viewer can enjoy the majesty of Singing Sandra; the commanding presence of David Rudder; the impressive neo-classical piano interpretations by Aldwin Albino; the balladeering of Baron; and the artistic dexterity of Ajamu as a singer and musician. Calypso Rose looks elegant and sings pleasingly while Dane Gulston plays the pan with showmanship.

Mighty Sparrow, Black Stalin, Nelson, Sugar Aloes, Scrunter, Tony Ricardo, Blackie, Alison Hinds, Red Plastic Bag and Becket, by their artistic reputations, give credence to the title of the show. Capturing their performances in one event might make this All Star production a collector’s DVD. Similar recordings are likely to be few, if ever, in the future.
[Ron/eCaroh – July 2007]