The Calypsos - Sandy Bay скачать в хорошем качестве

The Calypsos - Sandy Bay

Lekker “Langarm” instrumental vibes by the Calypsos, often billed as the Calypsos Dance Band - prominent South African band active from early 60s through the 1970s. They were exponents of langarm dance music, a style rooted in Cape Town’s coloured community dance halls and later popular nationwide. Langarm bands were valued for their versatility, covering foxtrots, waltzes, jazz, R&B, mbaqanga jive, and current pop hits in a smooth, danceable format. A defining feature was the lead saxophone melody, played with a nasal tone and vibrato—central to the Calypsos’ sound. Based mainly in Johannesburg, they ranked among the top ballroom dance bands of their era. The early group featured Bassie Thennisen, who was one of the great musicians in Alexandra Township. They played many dates throughout the Reef and developed a large following in the Pretoria, Benoni and Lenasia districts. Towards the end of the sixties the Calypsos toured the Northern Cape with Bassie until he retired. The band was led by Clifford “Baby” Jackson on piano and organ who changed much of their early style. and he is looking forward to a long future for the Calypsos. By the mid-1970s, the core lineup included “Baby”, Bobby Merckel on saxophone (founder of the former Hi-Notes and played with the El Ricas), Dennis Beckett on guitar, known for his gentle Bonfa style, Ernst “Pypie” McKelly on bass (ex-Miracles), and Donnie Chomie on drums, with additional Latin percussionists appearing on some recordings (Solly Rajah and Harold Johnson). This experienced lineup gave the band a full, polished sound suited to large dance venues. Performing largely within apartheid’s segregated entertainment circuit, the Calypsos played socials, weddings, and nightclubs for Coloured audiences, helping preserve big-band dance traditions well into the rock and disco era. Stylistically, the band blended American R&B and soul with Afro-Caribbean calypso rhythms, Latin percussion, and elements of Cape jazz and soul-jazz. Their adaptability kept them popular, leading to recordings for independent labels such as Soultown Records and Trio Records in Johannesburg and later Funky Venus in Cape Town. In retrospect, the Calypsos are remembered as key figures in the last major flourishing of langarm, bridging jazz, popular dance music, and African township rhythms, and influencing later South African jazz and pop musicians. Note: These Calypsos are not to be confused with act with same name from Durban, formed in April 1957 - founding members being Kadras John, Bobby Sigamoney, Mack Naidoo — runners-up for the 1959 Band Contest, fourth place in the 1960 Contest. Early line up featured, Kadras John – played tenor, alto and clarinet. Was a member of Stardust, Bobby Sigamoney – bass. First played with Jazz Serenaders in 1949, later with the Master Keys, Kitty Nagan - drums. Also played with San Remo, Mack Naidoo - guitar and maracas, played with the Blue Jewels before returning to Calypsos, Leslie Peter – guitar, brother to Oswald and Edgar of the Latin Kings. Played with Latin Kings and the Blue Ricks, and Edward Louis Saunders – piano. Joined the band in 1959. The Calypsos, featuring Bobby Merckel – “Sandy Bay”. From the album, “Pinetops Bump”. Released on the Soultown label, GL.1779, 1975. Line up: Ernst (Pyppie) McKelly - Bass Donnie Chomie - Drums Dennis Beckett - Guitar Clifford (Baby) Jackson - Organ, Piano Clive August - Percussion Bobby Merckel - Saxophone Side A: You're The First, The Last My Everything Bye Bye Blues Lorraine Strange Love Mannenberg Side B: Pinetop's (Bump) All That Love Has Gone To Waste Breek My Hart Laura Sandy Bay Publisher: Copyright Control