The Merrymen

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The Merrymen, sometimes written as The MerryMen, are a popular calypso band from Barbados.

The Merrymen's career spans four decades, from the early 1960's to the 2000's. At their height they were popular not just throughout the Caribbean, but they had also managed to reach the number one spot on the charts of several European countries.[1]

Their trademark sound is an upbeat form of calypso, reminiscent of what was popular in the Caribbean in the late 60's and early 70's, that samples liberally from latin, funk, tuk and spouge musical styles. Lead singer Emile Straker's whistling is one of the most distinctive components of their sound, and often serves as the primary focus of the musical interludes in their songs. They have produced several memorable covers in this style, including versions of "Island in the Sun" (originally by Harry Belafonte), "Jamaica Farewell", "Hot Hot Hot" and "Mary's Boy Child".

In addition to their characteristic sound, they are also known for the distinctive costumes they wear while performing and on their album and promotional photographs. The costumes are inspired by troubadour costumes from the High Middle Ages, a nod to the one of the inspirations for their name (which may also refer to 14th century outlaws[2], or Robin Hood's band of "Merry Men").

Up until their disbanding circa 2003, they played regular shows aboard the Jolly Roger cruise in Barbados.

Contents

[edit] History

They played their first show in 1962 at the Drift Wood Cellar Bar, one of the many bars along "The Gap", reportedly getting only the equivalent of Bds$36 (US$18) for their performance.[1]

Their first album, Introducing the Merrymen was released in 1966.

[edit] Personnel

  • Emile Straker - Lead Vocal, Guitar
  • Robin Hunte - Tenor Guitar, Electric Mandolin
  • Willie Kerr - Lead Guitar
  • Chris Gibbs - Bass Guitar
  • Peter Roett - Drums & Percussion

[edit] Discography

  • Introducing the Merrymen
  • Land of the Sea and Sun
  • Fun in the Sun
  • Just for You
  • You Sweeten Me
  • The Merrymen Go From Dusk 'til Dawn
  • Sing and Swing With the Merrymen
  • Merry Christmas
  • Beautiful Barbados
  • Colour It Calypso
  • Caribbean Treasure Chest
  • Standing Room Only
  • The More the Merrier
  • Sun Living
  • Don't Stop the Carnival
  • Caribeat
  • Merry Moods
  • Calypso and Island Songs
  • Barbados Memories
  • At the Caribbean Pepperpot
  • Sugar-Jam
  • Jolly Roger Jump-up
  • Come to my Island
  • No Big Thing
  • The Best of the Merrymen
  • Party Animal
  • Sweet Fuh Days
  • Greatest Hits Vol.1
  • Islands

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Merrymen at Totally Barbados, 2003, <http://www.totallybarbados.com/barbados/About_Barbados/Local_Information/People/Meet_a_Bajan/Merrymen/>. Retrieved on 25 December 2007 
  2. ^ Online Etymology Dictionary definition of "merry": “merry-man "companion or follower of a knight, outlaw, etc." is attested from c.1386.”

[edit] External links