The text of the conversation held between John La Rose and David Rudder at the “Calypsonians In Person” event held at the National Sound Archive in London in 1987. A brilliant exposition of the inspiration and ideas behind the music of David Rudder and an exploration of the traditions and personalities in Trinidad & Tobago’s Calypso music .John La Rose co-authored with the Kaisonian Raymond Quevedo (Atilla the Hun) KAISO A review subsequently published as Atilla’s Kaiso in 1983. He is poet, critic , essayist and founder of New Beacon Books.

Singer composer with Charlie’s Roots band, David Rudder swept to fame in 1986 when he won three titles in one year with the calypsoes “The Hammer” and “Bahia Girl” . He has produced other classic songs like “Calypso Music” , “Madness” , “Dedication” “Haiti” and “1990”. David looks to the roots of Trinidad & Tobago’s musical culture and Kaiso tradition on which to develop his particular musical genius. In this text John La Rose and David Rudder discuss that Kaiso is an evolving not static musical form and how that is represented in Soca and Rudder’s own music.

Authors; John La Rose and David Rudder

Publisher; New Beacon Books

ISBN 1873201003