Soca, It’s Soul Calypso! Cree Records’ latest deluxe comp focuses on Richard ‘Nappy’ Mayers, Trinidad’s proudest export of Carib funk and soul. Nappy Music Man collects rare and premium sides from Mayers’ early years with his band Embryo, to his own solo recordings and productions for Nadie La Fond and Felix Ceasar. The sound is a butter-smooth puree of dusty Memphis funk, calypso, West African boogie and New York disco, and this set should appeal to lovers of any of the above. Check the mainstream disco potential on La Fond’s “Wanna Believe In Love,” or Ceasar’s low-slung “Makin’ Bacchanal” for a taste of the breadth of styles on offer, and notice how the ominous synth strings, minor key atmosphere and bassline perfection turn Embryo’s “Soca” from dime-a-dozen party cut to transcendental dancehall anthem. Nappy’s own “Music Man” and “Let Yourself Go” are also worth special mention. It’s safe to say that it would cost at least 2 grand to acquire just one side worth of these tunes, so big up Cree for doing what they do. 16 tracks fully remastered spread over 2 LPs, plus the bonus 7-inch is extra hot, sporting two of the comp’s most essential tunes (La Fond’s “Hot For Your Love” and Embryo’s “Love Is New”) cut loud on one pocket-sized disc. Full-color gatefold sleeve, poly-lined inner sleeves, 32-page booklet with extensive liner notes and photos, recommended.

• double vinyl pressing w/ bonus 45
• gatefold sleeve
• poly-lined inner sleeves
• 32-page booklet
• music label: Cree Records 2018

reviewed by edward james almost 06/2018