Calypso Jazz

"Calypso jazz" may be an uncommon term, but the combination makes sense, even though jazz is mostly instrumental and calypso mostly lyrical. Jazz and calypso share African origins, as Duke Ellington pointed out in A Drum is a Woman and other explorations of jazz tradition. In their exploration of all rhythms and cultures, particularly those of direct African descent, jazz players have long borrowed the calypso rhythm. Most "calypsos" in jazz are merely instrumental soloing over a West Indian rhythm (similar to much Latin jazz). Improvisation is central to both traditions, but the emphasis on improvisation does not extend to either the lyrical tradition in vocal jazz or the rare "instrumental calypso." More interesting, perhaps, is when calypsonians take a break from singing and improvise instrumentally.

After Duke Ellington, Don Elliott's Calypso Jazz is the definitive hybrid album on a major label. Also there are fine efforts on smaller jazz labels (Freddy Grant on Bethlehem) and calypso labels (Cook). Anita O'Day and other jazz thrushes have done interesting things with calypso.