George Symonette - Calypso and Goombay Rhythms (2020)

George Symonette is a jaunty, spirited singer, a fine songwriter, and a splendid pianist. Born in 1912 or 1913, Symonette recorded a number of sides for the Harold E. Doane-owned Art and Bahama Records labels from 1955 to 1961. Calypso and Goombay Rhythms was originally released on the Bahama label in 1957. This neglected treasure (by a neglected and worthy artist) has been digitally restored from clean vinyl. If you're a fan of midcentury calypso—"goombay" is a derivation indigenous to the Bahamas—all Symonette recordings are worth hearing.

From the 1957 LP liner notes:

"George Symonette has been charming visitors to Nassau for many years now with his free and easy style of singing his free and easy Goombay folk songs. Through the medium of Bahama Records, people all over the world have had the opportunity of enjoying this sly singing storyteller. George accompanies himself at the piano, and the image of this six-foot, six-inch troubadour leaning back in his chair, playing his own unique combination of ragtime calypso, while singing his songs over his right shoulder to an ever-delighted audience, is one of the most pleasure-giving sights in all of the Bahamas."

Tracklisting:
1.01 - George Symonette - Coconut Water, Rum & Gin (2:15)
1.02 - George Symonette - Lizzie Carry Basket (1:57)
1.03 - George Symonette - My Lima Beans (2:50)
1.04 - George Symonette - Nassau Samba (2:33)
1.05 - George Symonette - Don't Touch Me Tomato (2:26)
1.06 - George Symonette - Liza Open up De Door (2:24)
1.07 - George Symonette - Island Woman (2:58)
1.08 - George Symonette - Please Scratch Me Back (2:23)
1.09 - George Symonette - Bloodshot Eyes (2:26)
1.10 - George Symonette - Yes Yes Yes (2:58)
1.11 - George Symonette - All Suit, No Man (2:11)
1.12 - George Symonette - Camilla (2:32)
1.13 - George Symonette - Yellow Bird (2:45)
1.14 - George Symonette - Jamaica Farewell (2:53)
1.15 - George Symonette - Come Back Liza (2:56)