I have decided to share the piece “Mambo Chop Suey” by Rupert Clemendore. This performance was recorded in Trinidad. I was initially drawn to this piece due to the piercing vocalizations throughout, which are reminiscent of those found within the performance of “Beijing Opera” from China. More song-like, piercing vocalizations are accompanied by spoken proclamations that add intrigue to the performance. The piano, tenor saxophone, and cymbals can be heard in the highly textured, percussive beginning of the performance. The vocalizations and spoken phrases are accompanied by mellowed piano, drums, and maracas that maintain a steady beat. The underlying instrumental accompaniment is highly repetitive, allowing for more audience attention to be diverted to the vocalist. 

I was also drawn to this piece due to its jazz classification, as I would not anticipate jazz music to be a predominant art form in this region. I am mistaken: Jazz is an art form that is highly appreciated in Trinidad and Tobego. In fact, the Tobago Jazz Experience festival remains to be the second-best attended event within the country, evidencing the popularity of jazz music within this region.

Link to performance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlQBFyN1lik

Sources:

“Review: Tobago Jazz Experience.” JazzTimes, https://jazztimes.com/reviews/live/review-tobago-jazz-experience/#:~:text=After%20Carnivale%2C%20the%20Tobago%20Jazz%20Experience%20is,a%20testament%20to%20the%20widespread%20respect%20the.

“Le Jazz Trinidad.” Smithsonian Folkways, https://folkways.si.edu/rupert-clemendore/le-jazz-trinidad/caribbean-world/music/album/smithsonian.