Mighty Sparrow’s First Flight reflects his post-World War II Trinidadian world of bravado and high rhetoric, in which violence of tongue and hand, the cut and thrust of word and razor, were reduced to a finely honed skill. Sparrow’s earliest calypsos served up unflinching social commentary, spun with invincible exuberance and literary panache, and set the pattern for the next four decades of his career. First Flight reminds us that calypso, in the hands of masters such as the Mighty Sparrow, is much more than party music. 75 minutes. 20-page booklet, historic photos.
1 No, Doctor, No (Situation in Trinidad)
2 Sparrow Verses Melody Picong
3 Carlton Peeping at Me
4 Harry in the Piggery
5 Mango Vert
6 Gun Slingers
7 Jean Marabunta
8 Sailor Man
9 Eve
10 Stella
11 Short Little Shorts
12 Country Girl
13 Dear Sparrow
14 Post Card to Sparrow
15 Dorothy
16 Russian Satellite
17 Mad Bomber
18 No More Rocking