Word Masters Live II

Word Masters Live II - Caribbean Comedy is a  recording of the June 2001 show that includes  Extempo Calypso. The talkers portray various  aspects of Island life and comment on topical issues  of the day, occurring any place in the world.

Like the first compact disc Word Masters Live - Island Comedy, Live II demonstrates the distinctive  English-speaking Caribbean form of oral expression.  There is a lighthearted commentary manner to  topical issues, and serious matters, that convey a  comedic, superficial attitude that in reality belies  the seriousness that is generally felt by the speaker.  In large measure, the general population shares the  view of the talkers. In this recording, as it is in  everyday conversation, double entendre is  common and the risqué connotations are more  usually intended, than not. 

A careful listen, however, permits one to hear two  or more things. You hear the different accents from  the various countries; then you are captivated by  the simple and sophisticated play on, and of, words.  Observe Saluche's use of the word "Handsome"  and Ken's switch from "Umpire" to "Empire" in  "Sports Television". Tommy has the same artfulness  in "Courthouse Commess". 

Marcus' "Drunk and Disorderly" is a take-off from  Sparrow's calypso of the same name. The drunken  man is familiar to most who grew up in the West  Indies. The man's loquaciousness, however, reveals his knowledge and misuse of English but also a not  so funny action some men take to show displeasure  with a woman's behavior. 

The bawdy elements of life are well represented in  the routines of Tommy, Rachel and Donna and elicit  hearty laughs. But the latter two could also  stimulate one to some thinking with "Showtime - Sex on TV", "Let Men Be Men", and "Oprah". 

Live II has well considered opinion. Ken - "Sports  Television" - takes a lighter, understated approach  as does Sprang's - "Planes to Represent the  Culture". Amina has an appealing style and manner  in presenting her opinion. Whether in the  vernacular or not, one hears a well-modulated,  polished, serious voice even at a funny remark.  Listen, and listen again, to Amina's "Cultural  Anorexia", " Remote Control People", and "Dead  Weight Adjusters". Hers are words for the mind  more than for a laugh. 

And all that is word mastery Caribbean style,  something you can't help but admire and enjoy.  [eCaroh/Ron]

Caribbean Beat Magazine

Be in touch with the West Indian islands and other Caribbean countries through Caribbean  Beat Magazine. It is the Caribbean's favorite, and leading, glossy magazine. Caribbean Beat is a  general-interest, pan-Caribbean publication, produced in the Caribbean-by-Caribbean people,  with a strong focus on music and the arts, sport, personalities, festivals, and the environment. 

Produced since 1992 Caribbean Beat is the region’s leading magazine on Caribbean arts,  culture, and society. The articles get behind the stereotype - the sun, sand, and sea - to deal  with real Caribbean people and experience. It is and always has been a general-interest, pan Caribbean publication, produced in the Caribbean by people living and working there. 

Caribbean Beat aims to show that the Caribbean is a region full of creative people and  fascinating characteristics.