Blinky & The Roadmasters – Crucian Scratch Ban Music – LP

Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, saxophonist Sylvester "Blinky" McIntosh and his band play traditional Crucian (St. Croix) dance music and topical songs, called "scratch music" for the assertive presence of the guiro, a dried gourd with ridges that is scraped to produce a percussive scratching sound. The Roadmasters are a full modern ensemble with electric guitar and bass complementing acoustic banjo-ukelele, triangle, congas and a second sax player. Another facet of the fascinating evolution of Afro-Caribbean music.

Track Listing:
A. 1. Ay Ay Ay - 3:43   2. Cigar Win the Race - 3:20   3. LaBega's Carousel - 3:29   4. Papacito - 3:40   5. Father Malloy - 3:30   6. Quadrille Figure Six - 3:53  
B. 1. Caroline - 3:43   2. Pussy Whiskers - 3:21   3. Matty Gru - 4:10   4. Wenchman - 3:28   5. Flotation Merengue - 2:59   6. Queen Mary - 4:15

Personnel:
Sylvester McIntosh (alto saxophone, vocals) , Isidor Griles (triangle) , Frank Charles (banjo, ukulele) , Cyprian King (electric guitar) , Lloyd Thomas (congas) , Steve LaCroix (electric bass on B4) , Anselmo Clarke (guiro) , Ira A. Samuel (alto saxophone) , (electric bass guitar)

Reviews:

1. AllMusic - Ron Wynn
Blinky & the Roadmasters offer a 1990s variation on the classic Crucian (St. Croix) style. They feature a frontline with two alto saxophonists interacting with an electric guitarist and banjo or ukulele player. The rhythm section blends electric bass with congas and other percussion devices. The feel and sensibility, as well as the vocal arrangements and style, combine the floating flavor of classic calypso with the modern intensity and improvisational flavor of rock, plus Afro-Latin rhythmic elements. Such songs as "Ay Ay Ay" and "Labega's Carousel" have a folk wit and irony. Blinky & the Roadmasters are also an excellent musical unit, cohesive, funky, and entertaining.