Product Description Though often erroneously regarded as simply a variation of Calypso, Jamaican Mento is a distinct musical style that developed independently from its similarly styled Trinidadian cousin. The genre remained Jamaica s most popular form of indigenous music from the post war years up until the development of Shuffle Blues and its immediate successor, Ska, in the early sixties. Its roots can be traced to both African and European musical traditions, with its rhythmic structure and lyrical content (generally focusing on current news and carnal relations) having a profound influence upon the subsequent development of Reggae. The distinctive sound produced by early exponents of the style was a result of the combination of vocals, banjo, acoustic guitar, hand percussion and a rumba box, all frequently enhanced by homemade saxophone, clarinet or bamboo flute. Mento, Not Calypso! features some of the earliest recordings in the genre, dubbed directly from the original Jamaican 78s, with many featuring on CD for the first time. Compiled by Mento aficionado, Mike Murphy, the 2CD set is unquestionably the most definitive collection of the style yet to see issue and as such will appeal to those seeking to discover the origins of modern Jamaican music as well as the less discerning buyer simply wishing to enhance their summer barbecue! Mento, Not Calypso! is the latest instalment in Fantastic Voyage s exploration of the origins of reggae, and follows on from the release of two highly successful compilations of the US Shuffle Blues, which was so influential on Jamaican musicians, and Youths Boogie, which compiles Jamaican R&B and early Ska. Review A mighty fine one' 4/5 --Record Collector
C**7
Memory Gift
This is a gift and after thinking that one disc was missing (found) my elderly parents love it.
N**S
Great value
I admit that I am a sucker for early Jamaican pop music: sometimes I've been disappointed by compilations. But this collection scoured from the archives is wonderful: I have never heard many of its 51 songs before. Pick of the bunch for me is 'Transportation Kingston Style' by Dan Williams who, as the lovingly researched liner notes tell me, is Grace Jones' Grandfather!
P**S
A Brilliant Collection so appreciated
Bought this for my Brother in laws 80th Birthday. Oh the joy in his eyes dancing to what where original artists and remembering words of music from his young days. Young again! I could not have gifted him anything better. What a great album.
Y**L
Mento, Not Calypso! - The Original Sound Of Jamaica
Brilliant. Lyrics are comically entertaining. Very old time Jamaican songs going back round about the 50's era (although it could be earlier). Some songs are suggestive in an subtle way. It would help if you can understand the Jamaican lingo to appreciate these tracks. Very enjoyable otherwise.
M**Y
Essential
A spread of Rural, Traditional, Urbane and Hotel Mento from the late 50s and early 60s.It's simple, there are tunes on this cd you can't get anywhere else but on super rare 78rpm Jamaican released Shellac.
D**S
Five Stars
Very good
