BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – BY now everyone should realise that whatever critics have to say about ‘de axe’ is all hot air; the band which has been going since 1980 and still brings music that has solidified it as one of the top bands in the Federation.
Recently, the Small Axe Band released its 2010/2011 Carnival album titled ‘Keep Going’, and this has made it the first band in the Federation to do so for this year’s event.
Speaking with SKNVibes, Royston ‘Mr. World’ Wigley, one of the longstanding members and vocalist of the band, said they are on a mission.
“We have no time to stop. We will keep doing what we’re doing. We’re getting stronger and stronger…more progress,” he said.
According to Wigley, their fans love the new album and everyone knows what Small Axe is capable of – “We bring the rhythm,” he said. And indeed they did that on the new album.
“I think it’s a good project listening to the sound of the album…it should go places,” he added.
The album features 11 tracks and was recorded and mixed at Ras Kelly’s Big City Studio, and mastered and manufactured in St. Maarten by Melody Studio.
The album features something for everyone, and ‘Old Time Mas’ is most fitting to be track number one, which is sung by Kelvin ‘Ras Kelly’ Kelly.
It is an ode to our past cultural music with mention of Grandash II, Dynamics, Iron Band, and Ellie Matt and G.I’s Brass.
The song is real sweet, especially the hook which sings, “Happy Birthday to Carnival, put your hands up in the air, old time mas in skb…” It is truly a song of celebration and seems to be a top contender for Road March.
The second track is ‘Bedrock’, which has its rhythm released earlier this year and has already won the hearts of many.
This track is sung by Imran ‘Clubby’ Liburd and everyone loves the hook, “Call me Mr. Flintstone, I can make your bedrock.” Although ‘Bedrock’ is originally done by Young Money, Small Axe’s version of it is truly awesome.
‘Body to Body’ and ‘Roll that Beef’ are comprised of a slow groovy, which reflects the band’s versatility.
‘Black Man’ and ‘Cry’ come with positive messages.
‘Black Man’ is sung by Kelly who, in fact, is lead vocals on four of the 11 tracks while ‘Cry’ is sung by Liburd, who sang a total of four tracks.
“If you’re proud to be a black man, show them say we rule the nation…,” is the hook of the song, and one could visualise people carrying out the dance moves initiated in the song by the vocalist.
Wigley said ‘Cry’ addresses the criminal activities and the delinquency that occurs in St. Kitts and also the state of the economy. It is sung by Liburd.
“Don’t get me wrong, I know crime doesn’t pay, and I’m not defending criminal ways, but put yourself in criminal shoes, what would you do when hunger hit you. Rediscover your human nature, have compassion for each other, be more loving and caring…,” is a line in the song
which provides food for thought.
The album also features ‘Hit dem wid de axe’, ‘Rum’ and Strip Tease.
‘Rum’ includes samples of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’ while Strip Tease is a favorite among the people.
The final track on the album, ‘2K10 Sugar Mas Mix’, and it features all the vocalists in the band.
“It’s a party album. It’s one you can put in your system and listen all night. It’s also home friendly…this is an album in true axe style,” Wigley said.
This is the second year Carl ‘Ozzy’ Osborne is with the band. The former Nu Vybes and D’Vybes guitarist is now featured on the cover as a member for the first time.
Unlike the belief of another popular band in St. Kitts, Wigley said Road March it is not out of style but one of pride.
He said the recent monetary prize increase for Road March is a good incentive and would encourage more participation.
Wigley said the band was crowned three successive times in the 1980’s and he feels confident about stopping reigning Road March champs Grand Masters from breaking that record this year.
So, the band being together since 1980 and Wigley being a part of it five years later, is no laughing matter.
It is not easy to keep good music flowing, to keep a band together and to keep a fan base going strong. Therefore, what motivates members of Small Axe Band?
In response, Wigley said, “The music! We are also dedicated and committed to the band. We’re looking forward to a better Carnival…Small Axe for life.”
The album is now on sale for EC$50.
