I first heard this done with this rhythm at the school where I worked (many years ago). A music teacher from a secondary school nearby had come to help us put together some Christmas Carols for the children to sing, and this was his 'take' on how a 'Calypso' should be played. It was the rhythm that got me. 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2 / 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2 .. and I could not get my head round it. It was not like any 'automated rhythm' I had on my organ. I had to chant this rhythm all day to myself until my brain accepted that this was 'normal'.

What I have done in this piece is to use both hands to play the 'rhythm part' on the Lower manual with piano; then play this back and whilst listening to it add the melody on the Upper. A 'double' recording, which I can do on my organ as I can record the manuals separately.

I have ended the piece with 'waves breaking on the shore'.

From Wikipedia:

Calypso is a style of Afro-Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early to mid-19th century, and eventually spread to the rest of the Caribbean Antilles and Venezuela by the mid-20th century. Its rhythms can be traced back to West African Kaiso and the arrival of French planters and their slaves from the French Antilles in the 18th century.

Calypso Carol



Hugh

Hi there Hugh,
A very good performance liked the video and the sound of the organ well played my good friend.

Jon D.

Hi Hugh. Something different and well put together with sounds and accompaniment. Most enjoyable. John. Now where’s the suntan cream. John

Hi Hugh,

A new one on me, but still a nice tune to listen to and good video to match, well played and voiced young man

All the best, Brian007