Soul Jazz Records reissues Calypso – Musical Poetry in the Caribbean 1955-69 on translucent green vinyl
Soul Jazz Records revives the rich tradition of Caribbean music with the reissue of Calypso – Musical Poetry in the Caribbean 1955-69, a compilation originally released in 2014 and now fully remastered. This edition arrives as a collectible double vinyl pressed on translucent green vinyl, a format choice that appeals to vinyl enthusiasts and connoisseurs of historical music releases alike. The album presents an essential overview of Calypso’s vibrant sonic and cultural landscape through recordings spanning Trinidad, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Britain, Panama, and the United States, reflecting the genre’s diasporic influence and enduring legacy in Caribbean and urban music scenes across the globe.
The compilation features an array of seminal voices from the Calypso tradition, including iconic artists like Lord Kitchener whose work shaped the very aesthetic and narrative strength of the genre. The record captures Calypso’s evolution between 1955 and 1969, shedding light on its poetic storytelling, rhythmic ingenuity, and social commentary that resonated beyond the islands. This reissue is enriched with extensive sleevenotes and original artwork, providing listeners with important context and enhancing the appreciation of the music’s historical and artistic significance. It offers a bridge between past and present, situating Calypso within the wider Caribbean musical tapestry and its influence on genres such as reggae, ska, and soca.
As a British label, Soul Jazz Records has built a reputation for curating and reissuing transformative sounds that often highlight global musical intersections, making this release a natural addition to their catalog that also includes reggae, funk, jazz, and soul. The label’s commitment to quality and historical preservation ensures that this edition not only serves listeners eager to rediscover the genre but also collectors seeking premium vinyl pressings of influential music. The careful remastering process brings out the nuances of vibrant percussion, lyrical wit, and melodic richness that characterize the Calypso form, creating an immersive listening experience that honors the craft of artists who contributed to this musical poetry from the Caribbean.
This reissue follows the album’s critical acclaim upon its first release, where it was recognized by publications such as Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the top 50 best reissues, underscoring its importance within the canon of Caribbean and world music compilations. With Calypso’s resurgence and renewed interest in vintage sounds within contemporary electronic, funk, and experimental circles, this compilation offers valuable insight for listeners drawn to musical heritage and sonic exploration. It sits comfortably alongside works by producers and artists who have revisited Caribbean roots and rhythms, perhaps appealing to those familiar with the nuanced productions emerging from artists connected to Afro-Caribbean jazz fusion and tropical soul.
By focusing on a diverse yet coherent selection of tracks from an era when Calypso was both a popular and politically charged genre, this reissue captures the spirit of an artistic movement rooted in storytelling, resistance, and cultural pride. It provides a sonic time capsule that allows new generations to explore the foundational sounds that influenced the broader Caribbean music diaspora. Listeners with an interest in the intersections of Caribbean music with early forms of hip hop and funk might find affinities here, as Calypso’s rhythmic propulsion and lyricism helped pave the way for these genres’ narrative techniques and danceable energy.
Released in June 2026, this edition of Calypso – Musical Poetry in the Caribbean 1955-69 marks an important contribution to music archival practices, offering an independent label’s perspective on preserving and celebrating a genre often underrepresented in mainstream collections. As a vinyl release, it invites attentive listening and collection, allowing the artistry of Calypso pioneers to resonate with contemporary audiences and ensuring that the musical poetry of the Caribbean remains in circulation for years to come.
Playlist:
Lord Cobra – Man On The MoonMP3 £0.99
Young Growler – Pussy GaloreMP3 £0.99
Lord Hummingbird – Teenage Bossa Nova GirlMP3 £0.99
Lord Byron – Yes ParrsinMP3 £0.99
Cyril Diaz Orchestra – VoodooMP3 £0.99
Lord Flea – Out De FireMP3 £0.99
Brownie – The Bed Bug SongMP3 £0.99
Count Zebra & The Seasiders – Cat ‘O’ NineMP3 £0.99
Carlos Malcolm – ElenaMP3 £0.99
Azie Lawrence – West Indians In EnglandMP3 £0.99
Lord Cobra – Negro HeartMP3 £0.99
Lord Kitchener – Love In The CemeteryMP3 £0.99
Charlie Binger Quartet – Jamaica Is The Place To GoMP3 £0.99
Mighty Dougla – Exhange Is No RobberyMP3 £0.99
Viper – Dog Better Than ManMP3 £0.99
Lord Kitchener – Jamaican WomanMP3 £0.99
J.B. Williams Band – Gee Bongo LayMP3 £0.99
Lord Ivanhoe – Lift The Iron CurtainMP3 £0.99
King Fighter – People Will Talk
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