Subject: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 05 Feb 01 - 12:30 PM Don't both these forms of music come from Jamaica? Are they really different musical traditions, or just different presentations of the same musical tradition to the "western" ear? What distinguishes calypso? What distinguishes reggae? And what does ska have to do with either, if anything?
Thanks in advance, PS I looked in the supersearch and didn't find another thread about this. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: GUEST,Peter MacIntosh Date: 05 Feb 01 - 01:16 PM 1) No, calypso and reggae do not both come from Jamaica. Calypso originated in Trinidad decades before the evolution of reggae. 2) What do you mean by "western ear"? Last time I checked, both Jamaica and Trinidad were part of the Western Hemisphere. Or do you equate "western" with "white"? If so, you are a racist. I would add, that even if calypso and reggae had come from the same place, equating them as the same music would be stupid. Or are you the guy who thinks that that rap and bluegrass are the same because they both developed in the United States? |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 05 Feb 01 - 01:22 PM Boy, ask a simple question and get an obnoxious flame. By "western ear" I mean ear trained in so-called "Western" music, i.e. the tradition that includes Bach, Stravinsky, and Gershwin. You will note I put it in scare-quotes. You will note that your response is both simple-minded ("western"="from the western hemisphere") and rude. I didn't say they were the same because they came from the same place. That's why I asked the question, I am ignorant about all this sort of thing. The proper thing to do with an ignorant person is to educate them, not berate them for their ignorance, and invent theories to accuse them of holding. I'm sorry if you're incapable of answering an honest question politely. I'd suggest you stop answering them at all, until you learn that skill. Alex |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Sarah2 Date: 05 Feb 01 - 01:31 PM La, Alex, well said! I've wondered the same, meself, as I remember the great calypso rage quite well. (Age showing...) Anybody got a real answer to these questions? Sarah |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Trapper Date: 05 Feb 01 - 01:54 PM A Brief History of Carribean Music> CALYPSO A type of folk music that comes from the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean. Calypso songs are in the 2/4 or 4/4 time, with a strong beat similar to the rhythm of African songs. . . . Some think [the word Calypso] comes from the African word Kai-so, meaning bravo, used to praise a good singer. Calypso originated in the songs of African slaves who worked in the plantation fields of Trinidad. They were forbidden to talk to each other, and used calypso to communicate feelings and information. To fool their masters, they sang in a French-creole dialect called patois. Annual calypso singing competitions were held at carnival time. After slavery was abolished in the 1830's, these competitions became more popular and attracted many visitors to Trinidad.
SOCA Soul plus Calypso equals Soca. The origin of the music is Trinidad and Tobago. The lyrics are used to express political and social commentary.
MENTO
R&B / SOUND SYSTEMS
SKA
ROCK STEADY
REGGAE
LOVER'S ROCK
DUB
Dubs were then taken to the dance halls and played next to the original version of the song. Then one Jamaican MC made history by talking, chatting and singing over the dub version of a song for his particular sound system (today this is known as a "special").
RAP / HIP-HOP
DANCEHALL
SLACKNESS / GUN TALK
CULTURE
Sources: |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Trapper Date: 05 Feb 01 - 01:56 PM Oops - missed the tag! Also the http://www.vinow.com/culture/music.htm" tag at the bottom... Help Joe! Thanks! - Al |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: GUEST,she who sells seashells by the seashore Date: 05 Feb 01 - 01:56 PM Alex, You've been around Mudcat long enough that you should know that, if you ask a stupid question, you'll get a stupid flame. You asked a stupid question, you got a stupid flame.
|
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Jimmy C Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:02 PM Alex, You are not the ignorant one on this thread. The guest McIntosh should be ashamed of himself. I thought your question was quite clear. BTW - there is no such thing as a stupid question, unfortunately there are things like stupid and ignorant responses. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Bernard Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:05 PM I always thought that the essence of Calypso was that it was 'current news' put to music in a tongue-in-cheek way, whereas reggae was commercial 'pop' music. Reggae has a prominent melodic bass line, too... |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Jimmy C Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:07 PM Forgot to add that Trappers response is great - it certainly enlightens me - Thanks trapper. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Sarah2 Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:08 PM Thank you, Trapper. Sarah |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:12 PM All flames are stupid. No question asked in earnestness, for the purpose of learning more about the world, is stupid. Perhaps my question was ill-formed, and clearly it made some incorrect assumptions. But that doesn't make it stupid. When you're done feeling proud of yourself, SWSSBTS, you might go to some of the same politeness courses that Peter is doubtless looking for right now. Alex |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:12 PM Yes, thanks Trapper. Very informative, if a bit large. :) Alex |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: GUEST,she who sells seashells by the sea shore Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:17 PM Alex, In the same post that you say "all flames are stupid," you go and flame me. Call the burn unit, I'm on fire. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:21 PM Did I say I was never stupid? Actually I accused you of being proud of yourself, and impolite. If that's a flame, call me a pyro. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Mrrzy Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:27 PM BAck to the question. I think that reggae has a double-beat, theoretically reminiscent of the human heartbeat, or so I've been informed... Back to the asides: I didn't think one negative comment constituted a flame... |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Pseudolus Date: 05 Feb 01 - 03:56 PM See, now I'm bummed.... I saw the question, thought I could learn something and I come in here and find out that I'm stupid.....sheesh, I hate it when that happens!! Then I find out that Alex, heretofore one of the nicest guys in Mudcat is a flamer!! Picking on poor SWSSBTS!! And here I was about to start the thread asking what the difference between rap and bluegrass was!!! I'm so ashamed........ Seems that with the racial problems in the world today one should be a little selective when throwing around the word "racist". There's enough people out there that deserve the title without bestowing it on those who don't. On Alex of all people.....sheesh... Frank P.S. At the ripe old age of 42 today is the first day I have ever used "heretofore" in a sentence....If I wasn't so ashamed, I'd be so proud..... ;) |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 05 Feb 01 - 04:02 PM Hold up your head with pride, Frank! "Heretofore" is a grand word, and there's no reason to be ashamed. Rap and bluegrass, though? What a stupid question!
Grins, |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Trapper Date: 05 Feb 01 - 04:08 PM THREAD-CREEP... I've been driven from many a board... not by flamers, but responses to flamers. Best advise: IGNORE 'EM! Don't "fan the flames"... it only encourages em... - Al |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: death by whisky Date: 05 Feb 01 - 05:05 PM Excellent answer Trapper.I've used reggae and ska myself,never knew the connection to calypso.In late 70s early 80s ther was a lot of ska type music from "Selector","The Beat",it was known as two tone,I think due to the style of clothes.It was a very strange time to be a teenager....... |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Stewie Date: 05 Feb 01 - 05:21 PM Alex, you can find out a great deal about calypso by reading Ray Funk's Kaiso newsletters. These are available on the Musical Traditions site. At the moment, the Kaiso link on MT's home page will not open, but I feel sure that is only temporary. You will find Musical Traditions here: --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: GUEST,BigDaddy Date: 05 Feb 01 - 08:16 PM |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: GUEST,BigDaddy Date: 05 Feb 01 - 08:20 PM I've been meaning to ask this for a while now. Does anyone out there know whether Calypso is still being created? Is anyone still recording it? Has it been relegated to some sort of "oldies" status? I can't help but think what fun the old-time "Calypsonians" could have with a number of current events. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Pseudolus Date: 06 Feb 01 - 08:44 AM Trapper, You're absolutely right. I sometimes find it too difficult to resist when I'm irritated at a flamer who paints such a large Bull's Eye on themselves even though I know I should. I'm trying, and I appreciate the post... Frank |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: harpgirl Date: 06 Feb 01 - 11:03 AM I thought "heretofore" meant, from now on? So did Dickens.And, hitherto meant "Up until now" ... Kendall |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: LR Mole Date: 06 Feb 01 - 12:04 PM Merriam Webster (or "Mair", as Ted and I like to call her) says both mean "up to this or that time".Anyway, my reggae-identifier is that the ahythm guitar comes down like Ringo's snare drum hand would (again, cheap transister radios):bonk-JINGJICK-bonk-JICK. And of Calypso: harrybellafonte, my dear Watson. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Metchosin Date: 06 Feb 01 - 01:41 PM Does anyone know if what was termed Rock Steady was also called Blue Beat?
I recall visiting a Jamaican Club in London in the 60's, drawn in to a smokey, low ceiling, dark basement grotto by a hypnotic rhymthic dance music. When I asked what the music was, I was told it was called Blue Beat. No vocals, just a record sound system of rhythmic instrumentals. I was too young and naive (she's from Canada eh) to realize at the time, that myself and my partner were the only people in the club who weren't Jamaican and that was the reason for the quizzical stares. Music will do that to you. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 06 Feb 01 - 01:52 PM Harpgirl, maybe you're thinking of "hereonout" or "henceforth"? |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Trapper Date: 06 Feb 01 - 03:37 PM Metchosin- "Blue Beat" was the name the UK gave to "Ska". See this page. - Al |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Metchosin Date: 06 Feb 01 - 03:47 PM Thank you Trapper! |
Subject: Erm... From: Bernard Date: 06 Feb 01 - 03:54 PM Don't forget Whenceforth - an older brother of Wenceslas, I think... |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 06 Feb 01 - 04:43 PM Wasn't that Dan Quayle's middle name? Whenceforth? |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mkebenn Date: 06 Feb 01 - 10:22 PM I always assumed the difference between calypso and reggae was ganja, mon. Trapper, if you didn't make all that up, that may be the best answer to a very good question that I ever heard.. Mike |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Twiz Date: 07 Feb 01 - 09:26 AM Thanks for the info trapper. I remember a Club called The Roaring 20's in London's Carnaby Street in the 60's. That was the place to hear Blue Beat/Ska. In those days most clubbers were out of their heads on Purple hearts and hash! Dave. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Maryrrf Date: 07 Feb 01 - 12:21 PM I used to go quite frequently to Trinidad on business. Calypso (I usually heard it called Kaiso there) is definitely still being created although Soca, Reggae and Ska(this is Jamaican in origin - not Trinidadian) is probably more popular. Especially as Carnaval approaches there are a lot of calypsonians who compose current event related songs. I was fortunate enough to have a friend down there who recorded some of the music from the tents for me. Trinidadians know that a lot of people think Calypso is Jamaican and resent it. They're very proud of their Kaiso tradition. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Richard Bridge Date: 07 Feb 01 - 12:27 PM Drum timing/rythm guitar timing important characteristic of reggae. Likewise bass guitar sound (eighteen inch speaker, not multiple tens). I'd have said ska predated blue beat, and blue beat probably almost two tone in the implication of the white boy in the pork pie hat. And before anyone asks why I think so, about 40 years ago I used to make a few quid with the eighteen inch speakers playing a disco to a skinhead audience in a very sleazy drinking den (now long gone) colloquially known as "Arry's" in Rochester, Kent. Just down from the river where the small merchant boats tied up.
|
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Twiz Date: 07 Feb 01 - 02:23 PM Blue Beat definitely came first, There was a tune called 'O Carolina' which I think was made into a pop record a few years back. That was the first tune I remember, I think it was sung by a band called 'Prince Busters All Stars'. The name changed from Blue Beat to Ska then to Rock Steady then Reggae. If you walked through Brixton SE London in the mid sixties there were BIG sound systems blasting out tunes everywhere |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 02 Aug 02 - 05:08 PM Okay, to reopen an old wound: is the song "The Israelites" by Desmond Dekker and the Aces, reggae? Alex |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: GUEST,Frogmore Date: 03 Aug 02 - 12:21 AM I was first attracted to this website because so many of the participants seemed to be mature and educated in "musicology." Questions like, "What is the difference between......" are silly. They waste my time. If you really don't know, you can better use your computer to answer that elementary question without invading our time. I like "Google". I will admit that qestions like this do generate some useful responses, but Curiosity alone made me read this. Nothing more to say, I'm busy with real stuff. Sorry to sound like a snob, but........................................... I'm not from Jamaica. Even my non-musician friends can detect different rhythms. I'll confine myself to commenting on more intelligent issues in the future. I'm sorry to have wasted the time of anyone who actually read this far. G'nite. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: RichM Date: 03 Aug 02 - 02:47 AM There's an easy way to solve your concern, Frogmore. Don't read the thread if it wastes your time. It was your choice to select this thread, and your choice to read it. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 03 Aug 02 - 04:43 AM Gee, and I always thought that the reason we uneducated dumbfucks post questions like, "What is the difference between......" is so that those of us who are educated in "musicology" can share their knowledge with their less educated fellows. If we're just supposed to spend hours sifting through websites and databases to find the answers, then why is this forum here in the first place? I kinda thought it had something to do with human interaction. Bruce
|
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: alanabit Date: 03 Aug 02 - 07:23 AM A fair question Mousethief - and like you - I am shocked by some of the rude and spiteful replies. Better musicians will answer your question than I, but I believe the answer essentially lies in the way the accents are played in a four/four rhythm. As far as I can make out, the third beat of a calypso is stressed. "Hey Mr.TALLyman,Tally my baNAnas" is an example which comes to mind. I am one of the least expert musicians on Mudcat, but I believe that reggae musicians stress the first and third. It's a fair question which I might have asked myself if I'd had the bottle. I'm sure we'll get an erudite answer. Bad manners are not necessarily a sign of good musicianship! |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: alanabit Date: 04 Aug 02 - 08:24 AM Good question - so I'm going to refresh. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 05 Aug 02 - 03:47 PM Yes, God forbid anybody should use Mudcat to ask questions about MUSIC. Forgive me for not being born with all the information you were born with, Frogface. Forgive me for finding a music forum to ask questions about music instead of going off into a corner by myself and doing what you apparently do in your spare time. Jeezis, some people. Alex |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: EBarnacle1 Date: 06 Aug 02 - 04:12 PM Thanks for bringing this thread back up. I found stuff I didn't know even though I lived through the New York end of it. If you want to hear the new stuff, just come to Brooklyn on Labor Day Weekend. The annual parade on Eastern Parkway always has a few people coming in with new stuff. You will also get to experience THE SOUND and rhythm. They have been known to cause internal damage. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: Wesley S Date: 06 Aug 02 - 04:44 PM Alex - Back to your question about Desmond Dekker. I have that particular LP in my collection and it fits my defination of reggae. No doubt someone will disagree. You might also want to consider this question. If polka gets slow enough { imagine a Wisconsin polka band on ganja } doesn't it turn into reggae ? Just imagine Frankie Yankovic and the Wailers. It boggles the mind. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: M.Ted Date: 07 Aug 02 - 11:56 AM Reggae is a bit like a slowed down, backward polka,(in four) think about the snare on the first beat and the bass drum(and the emphasis) on the second, snare on the third, bass on the fourth--The calypso beat as is a lot like a rhumba with the emphasis on the on the first beat--The polka isn't really that far out a comparison, the merengue beat is, more or less, a polka-- As to you, Frogmore, *most* people can hear the difference, but few can explain what it is, and fewer still can play the two styles--I assume that if you could explain the difference, you would have done it-- |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: mousethief Date: 07 Aug 02 - 12:08 PM Fascinating, and thanks everybody for the insights and information! Now, is there an affinity of some sort between some klezmer, and ska*? Or is it just my crazy imagination? Alex *both of which I very much enjoy, btw. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: alanabit Date: 07 Aug 02 - 12:55 PM Thanks M.Ted for a polite and musical explanation. I thought we would eventually get something of the sort from a Mudcatter. |
Subject: RE: What's the diff btwn calypso and reggae? From: M.Ted Date: 07 Aug 02 - 01:16 PM You are welcome, Alanabit--I hope that my explanation is useful--Of course, he best way to learn to play is to play with musicians who know the music. I have found Island musicians of all genres to be very welcoming in this regard-- Alex, as to your inquiry, I can only say that I have heard a number of reggae bands cover "Hava Nagila" to good effect-- |
Share Thread: |
Subject: | Help |
From: | |
Preview Automatic Linebreaks Make a link ("blue clicky") |