Bahamian Ballads

by Andre Toussaint

Overview

If you expect the typically bouncy, breezy tunes of the Caribbean from this comprehensive CD, you're in for a major surprise. Bahamian Ballads is not quite an accurate title for this collection of songs by noted Caribbean folk musician Andre Toussaint. Although Toussaint spent his career singing in Nassau's nightclubs and bistros, he was a native Haitian who performed in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Haitian Creole. This album explores the breadth of his talent, from his coconut milk-smooth vocals to his virtuoso guitar playing to his eloquent song interpretations. Bahamian Ballads is a treasure trove of tunes from the 1950s calypso era of Toussaint's heyday. His range is expansive, as is evidenced in the sweet, lilting melodies of the opening ballad, "Island Woman," the playfulness of the Bahamian folk classic "Watermelon Spoilin'," and the haunting, emotional treatment of "Mi Yiddishe Mama." This CD is a must-have for folk and Caribbean music fans. ~ Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Product Details

Release Date:	05/21/2002
Label:	Naxos
UPC:	0636943702925
Rank:	151242

Tracks

1. Island Woman
2. Gondolier
3. Est Es Felicidad
4. Complaini d'Amour
5. Calypso Island
6. Little Nassau/Bahama Mama
7. School of Cha Cha Cha
8. C'est Si Bon
9. Perfidia
10. Bambino
11. J'Attendrai
12. Cucurrucucu Paloma
13. Watermelon Spoilin'/Here I Go Walkin'
14. Jusque Bout du Monde'
15. Come Closer to Me
16. Hold 'M Joe
17. El Reloj
18. Mi Yiddishe Mama
19. Nadie Me Ama
20. Marisa
21. Ciao Ciao Bambino
22. Granada

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Andre Toussaint   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Dolores Canavan   Producer,Executive Producer
Alice Simms   Composer