One good thing that 2020 gifted us with is acoustic soca. The idea of soca being presented to its fans in an acoustic form is not unheard of, but with the cancellation of carnival activities worldwide, this year has given artists the opportunity to slow things down and remind listeners of how versatile the genre can be. St. Lucia’s very own Teddyson John is the latest soca artist to present an acoustic offering to the world.
On November 22, The Teddyson John Project (Teddyson John and his band) released their debut album, an acoustic soca album entitled Caribbean Moscato (A Special Collection). The album consists of 11 tracks, and it is just over 40 minutes long. It contains renewed versions of some of John’s popular songs such as “Allez”, “Vent”, “Crème de la crème”, “X Games” and “Pray”.
The album opens with a piano instrumental, soon to be accompanied by soothing harmonies, rhythmic percussion provided by African drums and a message from John. He welcomes fans and listeners to the experience by giving some insight as to what they can expect, in speech and in song. “Melodies” perfectly encapsulates the feeling one gets when carnival time is near as John sings “I keep hearing this melody / it’s like a feeling take over me”.
Not too long after this, the album’s third track, “Ketch It” speaks to the inclusive nature of the time of year masqueraders across the globe are constantly waiting for, carnival. Whether you frequent the streets of Grenada for Spice Mas, St. Vincent & the Grenadines for Vincy Mas, Miami or Notting Hill to experience home away from home or Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago for the greatest show on earth, all of us will experience our fair share of carnival tabanca* when listening to “Ketch It”.
*Tabanca (say “ta-bang-ka”) is Trinbagonian creole which refers to the forlorn feeling that one gets when a love affair is over.
From this moment, until the end of the album, feels like a medley of Teddyson John’s greatest hits. Caribbean Moscato is comforting, mystical and magical. It takes control of your body, making you sway, dance, wine and even accompany The TJ Project as you start drumming against your skin or the furniture beside you. Caribbean Moscato is the perfect stress reliever.
Caribbean Moscato (A Special Collection) is available for streaming on all major platforms. Additionally, the TJ Project performed at Rabot Hotel From Hotel Chocolat, St. Lucia on St. Cecilia’s Day (the feast of musicians) for a live stream concert. The full video has since been uploaded to YouTube for fans and lovers of the art form to enjoy.
