June 9th 2004
Contact: Kanchan Paser
Tel: 212-963-0343
Fax: 212-963-1395
e-mail: kanchan@sunshineawards.com
For Immediate Release
The Caribbean SUNSHINE Awards and the Brooklyn Public Library to launch
Chalkdust book
“From the Horse’s Mouth”
Teaneck, New Jersey, USA, June 9th 2004….The SUNSHINE Awards™
organization today issued the following statement:
The Caribbean SUNSHINE Awards™ will join the Brooklyn Public Library to
launch another remarkable book written by the Calypsonian, Historian and
Professor of Trinidad & Tobago Dr. Hollis "Chalkdust" Liverpool. Dr. Liverpool
will sign copies of his latest book, “From the Horse’s Mouth” at the launch on
Saturday June 26, 2004 at 1:30pm at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Flatbush
Library and Caribbean Literary and Cultural Center, 22 Linden Blvd, near
Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. Dr Charles Green, Professor of Sociology in
the Department of Sociology at Hunter College and the Ph.D. Program in Sociology
at the CUNY Graduate School and University Center, will be Master of Ceremonies.
“From the Horse’s Mouth” is being hailed as “a masterpiece of scholarship,
insight and impressive research,” which unfolds to the world the life, skill,
craftsmanship and talent of the veteran calypsonian.
Dr. Kimani K. S. Nehusi Professor at the University of East London, United
Kingdom describes “From the Horse’s Mouth” as work attempting to close the
Euro-centric gap between language and social history. He said, “It is not
possible to arrive at a proper understanding of any language while maintaining
an overall rigid separation of language and linguistics from the social history
and culture that form the context in which that language evolves and which that
language must of necessity articulate. Dr. Liverpool, a warrior for the cause of
Afrika and humanity, with the liberated word and deeds as weapons wielded in the
war for identity, is attempting through this book to close that Euro-centric gap
between language and social history”.
Kanchan Gilfillian, freelance writer: “With his latest book, "From the
Horse's Mouth," Chalkdust has once again given us an in-depth account of the
development and evolution of calypso, this time, however, using the voices of
calypsonians themselves to tell the tale. It is an account, which provides a
wealth of information on the origins of this art form, and its role in the
social and political development of Trinidad and Tobago.
“We listen to an elite group of calypsonians (from the 1920s to the 1990s)
such as Executor, Houdini, Melody, Caruso, Spoiler, Kitchener, Young Killer, the
Mighty Sparrow and Ras Shorty I (to name but a few) giving their individual
perspective on the process of change which shaped calypso, and we get a true
sense of the richness of the art form and of its importance to the cultural
heritage of the Caribbean. We also get to hear first-hand just how much love and
respect these performers have for this indigenous Caribbean art form.
“From the Horse's Mouth" looks at calypso in its entirety, its roots, its
form and lyrics, its purpose and its performers. Although it is filled with
facts, this is a book, which informs without being overly pedantic, making it a
very interesting read for the casual reader, as well as for the scholar or
educator, whether in the field of music, history or sociology. It is a wonderful
historical record of the development of an art form, which is so intertwined
with the very fabric of Trinidad & Tobago's social development.
”Chalkdust, with this impressive work, gives us an intimate look at some of
the personal trials and triumphs of the creators and exponents of calypso, in
the context of their individual development as performers and in the broader
context of society at large. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of
calypso through the eyes of those calypsonians who were and are an integral part
of the development and evolution of the art form.
"From the Horse's Mouth" is a significant contribution to Caribbean
scholarship. It is an historical record, which will help to ensure that
knowledge of an important part of Caribbean culture will never be lost.”
Gil Figaro, Sr. Founder of the Caribbean Sunshine Awards congratulates his
friend and co-founder of the Caribbean Sunshine Awards Hall of Fame on the
publication of another outstanding book. “This book underscores the importance
of the calypsonian to Caribbean society. Chalkdust has once again given to us
and generations to come a unique description of the root of calypso and its
purpose in social development. He has done an incredible job and this book is a
‘must have’ for the home library.”
For further information, contact Paula Menzies at the Brooklyn Public
Library’s Flatbush Library and Caribbean Literary and Cultural Center,
718-856-0813 ext. 114 or the Caribbean Sunshine Awards office at 201-836-0799.
“From the Horse’s Mouth can also be purchased on line from the Caribbean
SUNSHINE Awards Gift Shop at www.sunshineawards.com.
