Search - Blinky & the Roadmasters :: Crucian Scratch Band Music

	Blinky & the Roadmasters Crucian Scratch Band Music Genre: International Music Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, saxophonist Sylvester "Blinky" McIntosh and his band play traditional Crucian (St. Croix) dance music and topical songs, called "scratch music" for the assertive presence of the guiro,... more » « less
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CD Details

All Artists: Blinky & the Roadmasters
Title: Crucian Scratch Band Music
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Rounder Records
Release Date: 11/8/2008
Genre: International Music
Styles: Caribbean & Cuba, Calypso
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 011661504721, 011661504721

Synopsis

Album Description

Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, saxophonist Sylvester "Blinky" McIntosh and his band play traditional Crucian (St. Croix) dance music and topical songs, called "scratch music" for the assertive presence of the guiro, a dried gourd with ridges that is scraped to produce a percussive scratching sound. The Roadmasters are a full modern ensemble with electric guitar and bass complementing acoustic banjo-ukelele, triangle, congas and a second sax player. Another facet of the fascinating evolution of Afro-Caribbean music.

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CD Reviews

Back to my childhood....

kuchimundo | Maine USA | 01/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I spent part of my childhood living across the street from Blinky on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the early 70's and listened to him and the Roadmasters play out of the back of a truck as they traveled around our neighborhood. We would dance to the music in the yards outside of our homes. He is called Blinky because he has a fake eye. Listening to this CD brought tears to my eyes as I remembered these flashbacks to my childhood.... The music is both intoxicating and rhythmic. It speaks to the Crucian lifestyle and it's beauty and hardship. The music has a crudeness to it that indicates this hardness, and yet one cannot help but feel joy when listening to it. Somewhat like reggae, it speaks to the realities of being oppressed but manages to portray happiness and hope throughout. I recommend this CD for the joyful rhythms it contains- and for it's historical importance as well- there will never be another Blinky and the Roadmasters..."