Various - From Calypso to Disco The Roots of Black Britain

Review by Oliver Gigacz

From Calypso to Disco: The Roots of Black Britain is a must-have album for anyone interested in the history and evolution of black music in Britain. Featuring tracks from a variety of artists, including Lord Kitchener, Cymande, and Eddy Grant, the album traces the roots of black music in the UK from the 1950s to the 1970s.

The album opens with the infectious rhythms of "London Is the Place for Me" by Lord Kitchener, a classic calypso tune that captures the excitement and energy of the Windrush generation. From there, the album moves on to a range of styles, from the soulful funk of Cymande's "Bra" to the disco beats of Eddy Grant's "Living on the Frontline".

What makes From Calypso to Disco so compelling is the way it captures the diversity of black music in Britain. From reggae to jazz, funk to disco, the album showcases the breadth of talent and creativity that has emerged from the black British community over the years. It's a testament to the richness of this music that it has been able to evolve and adapt over time, while still retaining its roots and its soul.

Summary by Oliver Gigacz

From Calypso to Disco: The Roots of Black Britain is a fantastic collection of tracks that will appeal to anyone with an interest in black music, or in the history of Britain's multicultural society. It's a celebration of the past, but also a reminder of the ongoing relevance and importance of this music today. Highly recommended.